This one's a bit shorter but it deserves a standalone chapter in my opinion. Again, not beta'ed and thank you all for reviewing!

Chapter 13: Rather Sticks And Stones

"Strangely enough, I'm not laughing." Arthur grimaced as he finally turned to face Merlin. They were standing in the middle of the room with the Table safely between them. Arthur in the end had decided to stay beside the fire after he had paced a mile around the chamber. Merlin conveniently stood between him and the closed doors. He mentally winced again, remembering how Arthur threw everyone out and then slammed the doors shut behind them.

The previous minutes had felt as if he had been smacked against a wall. Hard.

The strange sensation of being almost knocked out. The air that suddenly left your lungs, leaving you to gasp for every tiny breath of air. The limbs that stopped doing what you want them to do, like getting up and running away as fast as you can, following your instincts. You can only sit there and watch everything unfold, feeling detached from everything that's happening around you. You can't hear well either, the light is brighter and dimmer at the same time and you only seem to be able to focus on one thing.

All the rest is a blur.

Everything was a blur except Arthur's wounded expression as he leaned heavily on the mantelpiece.

Merlin swallowed hard and tried to recall how in the world he could have handled that moment a bit better. I have magic, Arthur, I've been using magic to solve these problems for years. But it was no use. The secret was out, the game has changed, the story has had its twist.

And Arthur had reacted as he feared. He had pictured this Arthur. The Arthur that had yelled, "OUT! OUT!" scaring even Leon into dashing outside. He would have given everything to follow their exit, but he only got up, gripping his chair to stop his hands from trembling. He had watched Arthur pace, deliberately ignoring Merlin's pleading looks, flexing his hand sometimes around the pommel of his sword. The sword they pulled out of the stone together.

Dash it, Merlin thought and became angry himself all of a sudden, if Arthur can't deal with this that's his problem, not mine. You know, I've enough to deal with already. I'm going to die! Kilgharrah just dropped that surprise on me before he took off and left me alone to cope. Of course he didn't tell Arthur. He was entitled to keep some of his secrets, right? That didn't make him a bad person. Merlin knew he could deal with a lot of twisted, complicated and often complete absurd situations at the same time. Him dealing with Kilgharrah's message and dealing with Arthur knowing that particular titbit wasn't one of them.

"But I think I misunderstood the joke. Explain it to me again, will you? But choose your next words very carefully." Arthur said slowly emphasizing every word. Merlin sighed, he knew what Arthur was doing. He was giving him a way out, a way to turn back the last few minutes. To deny everything and call it a bad joke. But the king needed to face this, he needed to face that this bridge was burned. No one can turn back time.

However the look on Arthur's face almost shook Merlin's resolve, but then Kilgharrah's words resonated through his mind. Merlin clenched his teeth. Arthur has to accept this, damnit!

"I. Have. Magic." The warlock spelled out using a tone as if he were addressing a toddler, which wasn't the best of approaches in hindsight. Arthur's anger promptly flared.

"You can't have magic Merlin." Arthur shouted and took a step closer, "You can't, because that would have meant you've been lying to me since the day we met!"

He paused to stare at Merlin who didn't say a word in return, "I was a fool, misjudging you, taking you for the loyal friend I thought you were! Instead YOU'VE BEEN DECEIVING ME FOR YEARS!"

"That was never my aim." Merlin said softly, letting Arthur's anger wash over him like the tide crashing onto the rocks.

"What was your aim then?"

"To survive! Practicing magic equals a death sentence here, remember?" Merlin shouted back, getting frustrated because Arthur didn't understand, couldn't understand.

"Then why did you choose practicing magic to begin with?"

"I didn't have a choice, it's my destiny."

"Destiny! What destiny?"

"To protect the Once and Future King!" Merlin shouted exasperated grabbing a tuft of hair making it stick up, "To protect YOU!" His voice echoed in the sudden silence.

"You're Emrys?" Arthur asked disbelieving and then his eyes widened in shock finally grasping what this all meant, "Oh my, you are Emrys! You...You're insane!"

"Yes and probably." Merlin answered flatly, "Look, this threat isn't going away. So, maybe we can shout at each other when we're not in mortal peril."

"You should have told me earlier." Arthur snapped, the hurt clearly audible in his voice. Merlin ran his hand through his hair. God, Arthur was frustrating! What difference would it have made? Yesterday, now, tomorrow?

"Tell me when was there ever a good time to reveal my secret? While your father still ruled Camelot, lighting a nice fire every now and then? When Morgana betrayed everyone, hardening your beliefs even more? When you told me again and again that magic was evil? Or after your father died, when you stated, and I quote 'All I know for sure is that I lost both my parents to magic. It is pure evil. I'll never lose sight of that again.' WHEN, Arthur?" Merlin shouted trying to convey his insecurities through his words as he walked around the Table towards Arthur. But they didn't have their intended effect.

"A few days ago when I asked you if there was nothing else!"

"I couldn't!"

"Why not?"

"It was easier not to." Merlin sighed deflated. It had been easier.

"You lied, you're a traitor, just like-" Arthur grew furious again, but the words hit Merlin like flaming daggers.

"I'm nothing like Morgana or Agravaine! So don't you dare accuse me of treason!" Merlin bellowed and spread out his arms taking a few steps closer until he was standing just in front of Arthur, "But go ahead, since you already shoved me to their side. Take a swing."

"Merlin! Don't be an idiot! I'm not going to kill you!" Unconsciously he took a step back, releasing the pommel of his sword. Arthur was baffled at his servant's actions. He wasn't lying though. It wasn't a question if Merlin deserved to be killed or not. No, it had changed from the very start to the question if he could see Merlin dead. He had thought about that long and hard while he wore a trail in the floor, skilfully ignoring Merlin's pleading looks. He knew the laws of Camelot, he knew his own laws. But the truth was he couldn't do it. He couldn't even think of ordering someone else to do it for him.

It made him sick. And confused. He had been genuinely worried about sending the three to Nortcliff. Gwen could testify to that, Galahad as well... Wait? Did the druid know? Did Gaius know?

Arthur frowned and looked at Merlin who had lowered his arms for now. The warlock stared back at him with a measuring frown. The questions lay on the tip of his tongue, but Arthur swallowed hard and pushed them away.

"Do you want to die Arthur?" Merlin suddenly asked.

"What! You're threatening me now?" Arthur defensively took another step back.

"No! Geez, I was merely reminding you of the fact that Morgana planned some twisted game in order to kill us all and ascend the throne, or did that slip your mind?"

"I wonder how that happened with you dropping this... this on me!" Arthur motioned fiercely at him, "How do I deal with this?"

"Preferably in a non-violent way?" Merlin suggested brazenly and walked towards the fire.

"You haven't asked me what I did, Arthur, nor what I can do. Aren't you curious?"

"What is there to know? You used magic and lied to me." Arthur said tiredly all of a sudden and sagged back on his chair, but he kept facing Merlin.

"I didn't want to put the weight of my burdens on your shoulders." Merlin turned his gaze away and stared into the fire, "It's not something I'm proud of, Arthur, lying to you. But there was no other way. And I wouldn't have done it differently."

"I should order you to leave." Arthur said quietly.

"You know you need me." Merlin raised just as quietly.

"I wish I didn't." Arthur whispered and looked away.

"Well, tough. You can be pissed at me. Do you remember that time I told you to listen as well as you fight? Do you recall anything else of that particular talk?" Merlin waited patiently for an answer, but Arthur was stubbornly gazing at the doors. Merlin sighed and then went on.

"I told you I'll be happy to be your servant till the day I die. And I won't leave your side a moment sooner whether you like that or not!"

It was silent for a few minutes, although for the remaining members of the Round Table – locked out at the other side of the doors – it felt like hours.

"How is it going so far?" Galahad inquired when he hurried back.

"Arthur hasn't killed him, so that's a good sign." Leon answered.

"Were there life there's hope."

"What's going on in there?" Lauren stopped as she turned the corner a little baffled at their unexpected presence.

"Ssst, Arthur has just found out he's been the damsel in distress all along." Gwaine whispered motioning her to be quiet as he pressed his ear back against the wooden door. Lauren frowned and was about to open her mouth when Galahad pitched in.

"Lauren, I'm sorry but it's kind of a secret." Galahad apologized as he led her back around the corner "Can you keep that side of the hallway clear? I'll be in your debt."

"You're already in my debt, druid boy." Lauren huffed, but her gaze softened when she saw how distraught he was. "Don't worry Galahad, consider it done." She smiled, squeezing his hand reassuringly and walked away.

Gwen had been silently leaning against the opposite wall this whole time. She winced as she heard Arthur yell once more. He'd been doing that a lot. Of course he couldn't keep that temper locked up, but strangely enough Merlin was shouting as well.

She couldn't hear what they were saying. Though she'll get the complete story later from Arthur, or from Gwaine. Gaius was pacing up and down the corridor and Leon was softly talking to Galahad now the druid had gotten back from wherever he went to.

She had been shocked, they all had been shocked. Wait, were they? Gwen looked intently at her companions. Gaius looked worried and casted an exasperated glance every now and then at the doors. Gwaine was listening intently but looked slightly worried, not shocked. And Galahad and Leon were still conversing quietly. Neither of them looked shocked.

"You all knew?" Gwen finally asked. Gaius stopped and sighed. Then he nodded. Gwaine hadn't heard her question or was skilfully ignoring it. Leon and Galahad paused, but didn't answer directly. Not that she needed a direct answer. Their guilty looks told her enough.

"Now I feel foolish." Gwen smiled sadly and continued to stare at the doors.

That foolish boy! He's definitely trying to send me to an early grave. Would it be too much to ask for a little forewarning?

Gaius sighed and glanced at the doors. Who knew what was going on in there? Well, Gwaine probably does. I can't believe he's shamelessly eavesdropping. Actually, it doesn't surprise me.

He sighed again and clasped his hands behind his back. He didn't look surprised when Merlin suddenly declared his secret, nor did Leon. What exactly happened in Nortcliff?

Merlin, what are you up to? You're worried, I know. Was this the reason? Or are you hiding something else? Gaius glanced at the doors again. It had been awfully quiet for the last minutes. I see Galahad's back, where did he run of to?

"You all knew?" Gwen suddenly broke the tense silence. He stopped pacing and sighed. Yes my dear, I knew, I've always know. You have no idea what he sacrificed to keep everyone safe. But it wasn't his story to tell. It never was. So he just nodded.

At least he told us himself. The alternative was much worse. Gaius had nightmares about such an event. An event where Merlin dies, leaving the rest behind to pick up the pieces. Most of his dreams featured some desperate attempt to protect Arthur going wrong, horribly wrong. It didn't help that reality provided enough inspiration for these dreams. Imagine telling Arthur why his friend died, why he suddenly used magic and why he had never told anyone.

Gaius shuddered at the thought. It's better this way.

He started pacing again, but didn't realize it. His thought were solely focussed on another place: the room just beyond the doors.

For all Galahad's knowledge, for all his druidic instincts, he hadn't anticipated this. Merlin just changed everything with three simple words. I have magic.

But Arhur... Galahad winced as he hurriedly walked to one end of the hallway. The king's angry voice still echoed in his mind. OUT! OUT! Oh, they had run out, all right. But Merlin hadn't followed them. He only realised this when Arthur slammed the doors shut in front of one confused Queen.

"You," Galahad said to the first servant he came across, "You're name's Weyland, right?" The man nodded in silence. Galahad smiled, "Can you do me a favour and guard this hallway? You are to sent everyone back, King's orders. Is that a problem?" The man shrugged his shoulders and went to stand at the corner. Galahad sighed in relief and turned back. Now just the other side and hopefully this argument can remain a secret, he thought as he hurried back.

"Galahad, can I talk to you?" Leon asked after he had led Lauren away. The druid nodded.

"He's Emrys." Leon simply stated, "That's why he uses magic. He protects Arthur."

"Yes, he does. But how did you find out?"

"Merlin brought us here with magic. The Halfway I think he called it." Leon explained, but stopped at Galahad's painful expression, "What's wrong?"

"No wonder he looked so tired. You shouldn't use that way. It's dangerous, Leon. People went missing in there. They never came back."

"So Merlin's pretty reckless." Leon observed.

"I thought you knew that already." Galahad remarked dryly, "Every time he leaves this castle with Arthur he rides into danger without complaining."

Suddenly Leon smirked, "Oh, he complains alright."

"You all knew?" Gwen suddenly asked. Galahad stopped smiling immediately and turned to face her. Leon followed his example, but they didn't answer.

Of course I knew, My Lady, Galahad thought sadly, and I hated every day I had to keep this secret. But it wasn't mine to tell. You're not alone, we all feel like fools today.

Suddenly Gwaine quickly took a few steps back. The doors were opened and Arthur stepped outside.

"If I said this meeting is about to resume, but only with those who were just as caught off guard as I was, how many of you would enter?" He said thoughtfully looking around the hallway.

Gwen took a step forward and hesitantly reached out her hand. Arthur immediately took it and brought it to his lips. She tried to comfort him somewhat but the tremble in Arthur's hands almost broke her heart. This was some mess they created. She didn't want to blame Merlin, not now, not right away. Things were never simple.

No one else moved towards the doors.

"I thought as much." Arthur sighed, "Well, get in everyone. I can't very well hold a Round Table meeting with just the two of us."

Merlin looked around the Round Table. This meeting wasn't like any one he'd ever been to. Awkward was the first word that came to mind. Hurtful was another. Arthur looked absolutely defeated slumped on his chair like that. Gwen was bravely holding back her tears, but Merlin spotted them anyway. It hurt. Badly.

Finally Arthur cleared his throat. Although his voice still sounded hoarse, he spoke clearly and determined, "Now, I don't have to repeat to you all that anything spoken about at these meetings are a secret. I've realised now that you all are pretty good at keeping one." He shifted in his chair and looked around the Table, "So, Merlin here being a sorcerer, being Emrys has to remain a secret for now. Even I can tell the strategic advantage of keeping something like this hidden from your enemies."

Ignore it, Merlin mentally braced himself, he's angry. It's his prerogative to be. He closed his eyes for a second and leaned back. "Actually, I'm a warlock."

"You're a warlock? What's next?" Arthur commented tiredly, "Are you going to tell me Percival's really a giant and Gwaine's a fairy?"

"Oi! I object that!"

"Merlin, what's a warlock?" Gwen asked softly. She was still holding Arthur's hand.

"I am, Gwen. I'm the only one that I know of. The difference is that I was born with magic, while sorcerers have to learn it, although they can also have natural talents for some fields of magic." Merlin told them businesslike. "I've been told by my mother that I used magic before I could speak. This is important. While sorcerers first learn to guide magic by using spells and later learn to direct magic without words, my experiences where the opposite. I used magic, but it didn't use spells. But when I came here, I had to learn them. They allow me to direct my magic more effectively and in more diverse ways than before." Good, he told himself, just stick to the facts, pay no heed to the emotions.

"So everything Galahad told us about Emrys is true?" Gwen spoke again. Merlin nodded and shot her a thankful glance. He heard the question plainly hidden in her words. You protected him all these years?

"But you must know that what the Druids speak of is a prophecy. I am not the Emrys of the tales. I'm just Merlin." He added firmly. It was true. He never asked to be what he was and right now with the way Arthur looked at him, he wished he never heard of the name Emrys.

"For now." Galahad interjected, "But you are Emrys, Merlin. The Great Dragon confirmed it and you know he's never wrong on such matters."

The warlock grimaced, "I know that, Galahad, there's no need to remind me of that fact."

"So now that we all know who Emrys is and he's been properly warned of Morgana's plan, I think it's time to find out exactly what she's plotting. We should ride towards Dalbeth and find out firsthand why Morgana's interested in that place." Arthur decided, "We'll leave in the morning."

"No, that's a rash decision and uncalled for. It's too dangerous, Arthur, we don't know yet what or whom we're up against." Merlin protested.

"This has never stopped us in the past." Arthur countered.

"Yeah, great argument seeing that all of these previous quests turned out to be no more than a carefree stroll through the woods." Merlin said sarcastically, "Great plan. Totally foolproof."

"What will you have us do then Merlin?" Arthur asked exasperated, "I can't stay here and wait for some mysterious assailant to attack the city. I will not risk the lives of all its citizens."

"But you will risk yours?"

"I did it in the past!" Arthur was shouting again and wrenched his hand loose from Gwen's grasp so he could fully face Merlin.

"This time it's different!" Merlin yelled back and hit the table. The others leaned back in the hope of getting as far away from this argument as they could.

"Why? Why is it so different!" Arthur stood up again. Merlin rose as well.

"Because I'm not sure if I can protect you!"

The two men stubbornly stared at each other, both wheezing for air after their outburst . But Merlin's words finally got through.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen," Gwaine said placating, "perhaps if we gathered more information?" Clearly something was wrong with the world if Gwaine acted as the voice of reason. "Gaius spoke of books, didn't he?"

They rest quickly followed his lead while Merlin and Arthur kept scowling at each other every other second. At least they sat down again.

"Of course, the books, Sire. The vaults could contain valuable information."

"We should strengthen the Outer Wall some more." Leon added, "Is that dispute amongst the masons settled?"

"I could contact my father, maybe he knows more about Dalbeth."

"The new recruits could use some additional training, I could see to that." Gwaine commented

"I'll order the traders and peasants around the city to stock up the granaries." Gwen pitched in as well.

All of them had good suggestions, only it would have had more impact if they hadn't uttered their ideas at the very same time. Annoyed, Arthur held up his hand and the noise died down again.

"Gaius, I'm sure you're knowledge is invaluable, however I want Merlin to sift through them. Leon, give him your key."

"I don't need a key." Merlin muttered quietly but shut up again when Arthur scowled at him.

"I want you to strengthen your medical supply instead, maybe even train some volunteers to help you." Arthur went on, Gaius merely nodded at his request. "Leon, take some knights and check the Outer Wall again, make sure to take some masons too and perhaps even some carpenters. The dispute is somewhat settled down, if they protest, remind them of their loyalty towards Camelot."

"Galahad and Gwaine, inform the rest of the knights of the situation, but refrain any hint of what was said earlier. Increase their training but also send out three patrols. One towards Bayards' kingdom, and two in any other direction you see fit. Galahad, you may contact your father, any additional information is welcome."

"Gwen, I'll leave supplying the castle and city to you."

"Everyone understands their tasks?" Arthur asked and rose from his seat again. Everyone nodded, "Good then you all can take your leave. We'll reconvene tomorrow morning."

The rest rose as well. Galahad, Gwaine and Leon bowed before leaving the room.

"Gwaine, wait outside for a moment." Arthur called back, unexpectedly making a sudden decision. The knight looked puzzled but nodded. Gaius paused for a second as if he wanted to say something. But then he shook his head, looked pointedly at Merlin before bowing as well. This left only the two royals and Merlin.

"What will you do now?" Merlin asked and clenched the key Leon left on the table.

"I'll prepare the city for siege." Arthur answered flatly refusing to meet Merlin's gaze. The warlock sighed. That wasn't what he had meant. What will you do with me?

"Go to the vaults, Merlin and you… you do you're um thing."

"Magic, you can say it. It doesn't make it less real."

"Okay, magic, fine." Arthur snapped.

"Fine." At with that Merlin strode out of the room almost bumping into Gwaine on his way towards the vaults.

"Gwaine." Arthur watched as the knight walked back in, "After you talked to the rest of the knights and helped Galahad deploy the patrols I want you down in the vaults as well. Can you keep an eye on Merlin?"

"I'm not spying for you, sorry princess."

"No, that's not what I meant, just watch him, you know, to keep him safe." Arthur spluttered a bit.

"Oh, okay, on it." Gwaine's face lit up in surprise. He bowed again and turned around to exit the chamber once more.

"And Gwaine, don't tell him I sent you, I'm still mad at him."

"Sure, Arthur, whatever you believe." Gwaine muttered.

"What will you do now?" Gwen repeated Merlin's question and brought her hand to her husband's cheek. Arthur closed his eyes for a while as he leaned into her caress, cupping her hand with his own. It was at moments like these that he desperately needed his wife beside him.

"I don't know, Guinevere," Arthur swallowed and opened his eyes again, "I'm still trying to grasp what just happened. And I'm sorry for yelling at you like that, it wasn't my intention. I didn't know what I was thinking."

"Shush, now. I'm not angry with you, Arthur." Gwen gazed into his eyes, "It was unexpected, but it will be all right in the end, you'll see."

"How is anything ever going to be alright?" Arthur really couldn't imagine that. He felt as if someone conjured the ground below his feet to drop and he was still falling...

"What was the very first thought you had when Merlin told you about his magic?"

"That's hard, it's kind of all jumbled up in here." He ran his hand through his hair, "I just feel so angry. He lied about it for years."

"Exactly, and that's why I know it will turn out alright."

Arthur looked nonplussed at this statement, but Gwen smiled encouragingly, "You said you're angry because he lied, Arthur. Not because he has magic."

She leaned in and kissed him gently.

"Think about it." She said as she pulled back and quietly left the room. Arthur took a step forward towards his place at the Table. His hands lingered a moment above the surface before he firmly placed them down. He leaned heavily on this symbol of trust, loyalty and friendship he so treasured.

Arthur looked to his right, towards the chair next to his own. He couldn't stop his hands from trembling.

This is my take on the reveal and everyone's reaction, but it's not finished. (Obviously.) Merlin and Arthur are a volatile and stubborn combination, I like them at odds with each other and I'm planning to keep them like that for a while. But I seriously doubt Arthur is capable of killing Merlin and although he wants to banish him, he knows he needs him to keep his city safe. That's what a good king does.

So, please leave a review?