The Point of No Return

Merlin often thought that the worst part of Uther's regime was that harsh punishments for small crimes – for merely living – were so common that no one paid heed when the executioner sharpened his ax in the middle of the palace's courtyard. There was no commotion – no excitement and no resenting whispers as another life was taken as if it were a entertainment, a show.

Still, a part of him was, unexplainably, relieved that Morgana and the boy had been caught. He couldn't shake the Dragon's words out of his mind, especially after he had seen so many dark futures under the seer's touch. Maybe this was the reason the creature has advised against helping the druid.

On the other hand, there was a possibility – the one that shone within him – in which his life would lead to everything he fought for not only was going to happen, but also that even his most insane dreams would also come to be.

He couldn't ignore that possibility either – and yet, the dragon's advice had been full of danger. Merlin had no wish to quarrel with the dragon, and to ignore his advices could only lead to an argument.

Merlin was surprised to find not only Arthur in his chambers when he came to do his night chores, but also Morgana. She seemed tired and sad, and Arthur gave him a threatening look. At the same time, there was something deeply intimate about the way they stood – even sitting while she stood, Arthur seemed to be trying to protect her.

"Sorry. Was I interrupting something?" He said, honestly feeling embarrassed. He had often seen the two quarrel and flirt, but this was something else altogether.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with" Arthur responded haughtily. "Go make yourself useful, muck out my horses."

It was not the kind of chore he usually did around that time of day – it was time for bath and to prepare the scrolls for the next morning, dinner and bed. Still, it was clear that Arthur just wanted him out of the way, and he gave a step back, pulling the door.

"I trust Merlin"

Morgana's voice cut through his motion, and he stood there, unsure about what it meant. Arthur looked at one and then the other, before saying in a disbelieving voice.

"Merlin?"

Morgana turned from the servant to the prince, and while he could no longer see her face, her tone made it too clear to picture it – as did Arthur's expressions.

"Yes. And you should stop pretending that you trust anyone above him."

For a moment, Merlin was sure that Arthur would pick up a fight with the woman, ready to protest, but in the following second his face softened and he gestured for Merlin to come inside. The warlock lost no time in doing so and closing the door.

"We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons" Arthur announced, as if he had said something as trivial as that he was competing in the next tournament.

"You can't do that!" Merlin replied, quickly, full of fear. The real danger was if Arthur got involved with the boy; if they didn't meet, it was unlikely that the boy would come and search for him later. He had seen the boy's death and Arthur and Morgana's fall from Uther's good graces for it, he couldn't allow it.

"We have to!" was the woman's reply, incensed. "Uther's going to execute him at dawn."

Merlin knew it well enough, and he also knew too well all the possible consequences to this not to protest.

"I mean – It's too dangerous" he said, talking straight to Morgana. "You've already been caught once, and if the King catches you a second time, he'll never forgive you."

"I'm not worried for myself" she said, bravely, and it made Merlin tremble.

"I am" He knew his voice was pleading, desperate, and it made Arthur give in an assessing look, as if he was seeing Merlin for the first time.

"Merlin's right. When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you being involved" he agreed, looking from one to the other.

"It's suicide" said Merlin, trying with all his heart to make them give up such a mad idea – no good could come out of this.

"You must go to my father and apologize" Arthur looked at Morgana with worry marking his face. "Dine with him; he cannot hold you responsible if you're with him when the boy escapes."

Still, Morgana shook her head. She had grown too attached to the boy, it was almost scary.

"You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own."

Arthur stared at her for a second, probably because she was right, before turning to his manservant.

"Merlin will take your place."

"Me?" he asked, confused. He hadn't seen himself, he had no idea to which ends his involvement would take them.

"I'm going to take the boy through the burial vaults" the Prince explained. "There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls. Get my horse from the stables and meet me there. There's a gate that covers the entrance to the tunnel. Bring a rope and a grappling hook to pull it off."

"No – it's…" Merlin couldn't imagine how he hoped to smuggle the boy out if his plan meant that he was going to vandalize part of the castle. Of course, he probably could take it out with much more ease, but it would take magic, and even if he had told Morgana about his powers, he wasn't sure that telling Arthur would be a great idea.

"Merlin, I trust you" Arthur said, seriously. "If you're not that to meet us, we'll surely be caught."

The warlock shook his head.

"No – no! Let me take the boy out, you'll meet me outside – it's easier that way. He already knows me, I may even be able to talk him into opening the gate with his magic."

But Arthur was shaking his head, denying it.

"What if you get caught?" he said, his voice serious. "My father would execute you – no, I couldn't live with myself. I'll risk my chances with him."

"Neither could I" Morgana spoke, and he looked at her, pleading, hoping she understood, and by the way she looked at him, it was clear that even if she knew that he had ways to make things run smoother, she wasn't willing to risk his safety – something must have happened for both of them seemed sure that Uther would show them no sort of mercy.

On another moment, it would have filled him with joy to know that they cared so much; but it seemed unimportant now, and their care might cause their downfall.

"Please" he asked, one more time, and Morgana came over to him and held his hands.

"Merlin, no" he didn't miss the way Arthur looked at them both, and it made him blush. "You are our friend, and we won't risk you."

The Prince stood up and clapped his back.

"I'm counting on you."

And there was nothing he could do to prevent what might come out of it, the residual warmth of Arthur's hand at the same time a burden and a comfort as he walked away to make sure everything was ready.