Merlin tucked his arm under Arthur's. "Ready?" Arthur nodded, Merlin's eyes glowed and they were back in that space where nothing looked quite right.

Once again, the druids did not seem to sense anything as Merlin and Arthur walked through the dense undergrowth towards them, shrouded secretly within Merlin's time.

The men were well camouflaged, it took a moment for Arthur to find them. He saw Iseldir first, he was wearing a faded green druid robe that blended into the forest behind him. He was standing just out from the tree line, at the edge of the field they'd been in a few nights ago with Kilgharrah. He was eying the flowers dotted throughout the clearing, as they watched, he hunkered down and examined one, the expression on his face perplexed. It was the wrong season for daffodils to be flowering.

Merlin pointed out Catalin and Senias to Arthur. The other two druids were dressed in russet robes and were standing beneath the shadows of a large tree. They were watchful, and far less relaxed than Iseldir.

"I told Iseldir that we'd speak only with him for now." Merlin glanced across at Catalin and Senias. "So we should - ... oh. Oh no." Merlin bit his lip nervously and shot a sideways glance Arthur's way. "Um ... oops?"

"Merlin? What is it now?"

"Oh. Just something I may have possibly, slightly, forgotten."

"Not again!"

"You need to be uh, kingly, and regal, when you appear to Iseldir, Arthur."

"I'm a prince Merlin, I think I'll be able to manage it."

"No! It's just that ... well, the last time you came out of my time you sort-of-almost-nearly ... uh, fainted."

Arthur gave him a look. "Fainted? Like a girl?"

Merlin cringed. "Well, not really like a girl. Like a prince! Not girly at all. Nothing girly about it. It probably wasn't even a faint! Just ... a momentary uh, ... disorientation, very temporary cerebral confusion, that was all! Perfectly acceptable. Normal even! Anyone would do it, in the same situation. I'm sure you'll be fine, this time! You won't even fall over, I know it! You'll be kingly, and regal, definitely."

"Merlin?" Arthur was very polite, and the smile showed off his teeth. "You have verbal diarrhoea, again."

Merlin slanted him a sideways glance. "You know, I like it better when you call it prattle."

Arthur sighed, resigned. "And you didn't think to mention this fainting, before, to me, the last time I tried this?"

"Well, I was was more concerned about brain damage!" Merlin tried not to sound petulant.

Arthur was incredulous. "That's not what you said! You said I might get a slight headache, something like a minor hangover!"

Merlin backtracked hurriedly. "Minor brain damage then! Very minor. Probably none, actually. And you didn't! You still seem perfectly normal to me! You're fine. And I wasn't really in the mood to discuss it further, last time."

"You do have more moods than a girl, Merlin."

"Uh." Merlin grimaced, and gave up. "Yes. Well." He looked sideways at Arthur. "Are you ready then, to appear?"

Arthur smiled again, very nicely. "Are you going to catch me, if I faint?"

"I'll prop you up against a tree, and hold onto you, like this." Carefully, making sure he did not lose contact with Arthur, he slung one of the prince's arms over his shoulder. Arthur muttered something unfathomable, Merlin pretended not to hear.

"One more thing." Merlin glanced in the direction of the other two druids, his eyes flashed gold and he whispered, "Iseldir, Artha, Merlo, bedydre úree drohtoþ, nan ac ús tó ofásce."

"What was that? I don't think he can see us."

"He can't yet. I was concealing the conversation we'll have with Iseldir, from Catalin and Senias." Arthur nodded, and Merlin said, "Alright, are you ready? Then now." His eyes flashed again, the world spun crazily and Arthur found himself pressed back hard against the trunk of a large tree. Merlin had pushed his back up against Arthur's chest, the edge of his shoulder was jabbing into Arthur's neck. It wasn't very comfortable. Arthur disentangled himself, removing his arm from Merlin and pushing him away. He was pleased to find he didn't seem to have any trouble standing up, and shook his head to clear it.

He looked over at Iseldir. The druid was almost close enough to touch, he'd twisted around when they appeared, the remnants of surprise fading from his face. Iseldir looked from Merlin to Arthur, a slight smile creeping across his lips.

"Emrys, Prince Arthur." He directed his next words to Merlin. "It appears your prince has made some discoveries since we last met."

Merlin just nodded. "Walk this way." He turned away from Catalin and Senias, and Iseldir and Arthur followed him until Merlin was satisfied they were far enough away. It wasn't really necessary, given that he'd cast an enchantment to prevent them hearing him, but he didn't want Senias to be able to read their facial expressions.

Merlin took the lead. "I thank you again, Iseldir for answering my call."

"We are on the verge of a new time, Emrys, if your prince knows and accepts your magic." The druid gave Arthur a speculative look.

"A new time is dawning, Iseldir. But it has not yet arrived. Before we speak any further, I will ask something of you." Merlin held out his hand towards the druid, palm up. "Can I trust you? Will you always be true, to me?"

"Emrys, you know the answer. But as you have asked me directly, then I will answer as such: yes, you can trust me, and I will always be true."

Merlin stared at him for a long moment, and nodded towards his open palm. "Conjure a flame."

Iseldir looked at him inquiringly, but when Merlin did not offer any explanation the druid pushed back the hood of his robe. His hair, once a startling white blonde colour, was now flecked with grey. His eyes flashed gold, and a flame appeared on Merlin's upturned hand.

Arthur was startled, but Merlin did not give any sign of discomfort. Instead he bought it closer to him, opening his mouth slightly, breathing slowly, and stared at it for a long moment. Then he dropped his hand, the flame disappeared, he glanced the prince's way.

"Yes!" Merlin's voice was a triumphant roar in Arthur's mind, and he had to make a concerted effort not to react to the mind speech. Behind the voice there was a glimpse of the enormous power under Merlin's command, and though he had no fear of him it still sent shivers down Arthur's spine. It was moments like these that it really hit home, that Merlin was Emrys. His friend, the most unassuming person he knew, was the most powerful warlock in all of Albion. Merlin was speaking again, and Arthur hurried to catch up. "I'm sorry, that was too loud, I didn't mean to startle you. But he's alright, Arthur, I knew it! One day soon you will be able to call this druid, your friend."

None of Merlin's thoughts were showing on his face, and when he spoke aloud his voice was measured and precise. "Iseldir, we're searching for Morgause, and her sister Morgana Pendragon. What can you tell me of their whereabouts?"

Iseldir nodded, as if unsurprised. "Morgause rode with Cenred's army against Camelot?"

Arthur spoke up. "Yes. She used the Cup of Life against us to enchant Cenred's men. We believe her to be injured, Morgana took her out of Camelot in the aftermath of the battle. They both have ties amongst the druids. Do you know where they are?"

Iseldir's gaze shifted between Merlin and Arthur. "I will answer you, Arthur Pendragon, but only because this is also Emrys's request. When you have proven yourself to be worthy of the mantle of the Once and Future King, then my clan will pledge allegiance to you. But that time is not yet, my kin are still hunted and feared. Yet for Emrys's sake, I will give you the answers you seek."

"Told you so." Merlin's voice sounded in Arthur's mind. "Don't worry Arthur. He'll come round. You're not that bad, most of the time ... or at least now and then, anyway."

Arthur remembered just in time not to clobber him over the head, he wasn't supposed to be reacting to the mind speech.

Iseldir continued. "Emrys. If Morgause is injured, then she will be in need of a healer. There are several druid camps within a few days travel of Camelot. Nathaniel's camp could be a possibility. He would be closest to Camelot, and has been there for several months now. The camp is well hidden."

"Is that the one due north, about two days travel from here? I've sensed their magic several times, but it's not strong."

"Yes, that would be it. They're one of the weaker clans, but their healing magic is good. Better than yours, I hear."

"Correct. I don't seem to have much skill in healing magic, Gaius doesn't have any texts on it that seem compatible with my magic. I've tried it out a few times on Arthur but it hasn't worked well."

Arthur frowned and remembered he'd mentioned something about that to the dragon. "You have? When? How could I not notice?"

Merlin waved the question away, and said in mind speech. "You are knocked unconscious so often I really do worry about the possibly of brain damage. Not that it would make a lot of difference. Anyway, even when you're awake there's a lot you still don't see." Aloud he said, "Later, Arthur. Iseldir, is there any way you could find out if they were at Nathaniel's camp without arising suspicion?"

Arthur accidentally stepped on Merlin's foot, hard, and wished he could retort. Other than a slight wince, Merlin didn't react. Arthur's eyes narrowed, he wondered how much practice Merlin had with this inscrutable face he was displaying, he was much better at it than Arthur would have expected.

Iseldir answered the question. "Yes. Having come thus far I can call in on my way back to my own camp."

"Will you do that, Iseldir? But they can't know we search for them. I will attend if they're there."

Arthur draped an arm casually around Merlin's shoulder, and then yanked him abruptly off balance. Merlin stumbled and fell against him, smacking his face against Arthur's chest. Arthur said mildly, "And so will I. Merlin, you're not facing them without me."

They traded stares, Arthur's arm tightened ominously, and Merlin said, dutifully, "As you wish, sire." Arthur gave him a pointed look, not at all persuaded by this uncharacteristic display of submissiveness, and he was ready to take it further when he suddenly remembered Iseldir.

The druid was watching them both, a look of realisation slowly dawning across his face. He said with quiet intensity to Arthur, "Emrys is your friend, is he not, Arthur Pendragon?"

Arthur nodded and answered simply. "Of course. Yes."

The druid looked from one to the other. "Then, Arthur Pendragon, you have my allegiance now." He bent his head to the prince. "Whatever either of you ask of me, it will be done."

"Really?" Merlin was surprised at this development. He squirmed, the partial headlock was uncomfortable, and Arthur let him go. "It's as simple as that?"

"Yes, Emrys. It is. I'll take my leave of you now. I'd like to reach Nathaniel's camp as soon as I can."

"Wait." Merlin spoke, then hesitated. He glanced at Arthur. "Where's Mordred?"

Iseldir was curious. "I don't know. He left my camp more than a year ago. I don't believe he's within Camelot's borders at present."

Merlin was satisfied with the answer. There was no way he was letting Arthur anywhere near the boy. He nodded and Arthur stretched his hand out. "Thank you, Iseldir. I won't forget this."

They shook, and Iseldir turned to Merlin and dipped his head. "My Lord."

"Ahh." Merlin was embarrassed, he avoided Arthur's gaze and rubbed the side of his nose. Arthur was amused to see a stripe of colour spreading across his cheekbones. "Please don't call me that. And don't suggest anyone else call me that."

"As you wish, Emrys."

Merlin turned away, and Arthur followed. They nodded a farewell to Catalin and Senias in the distance, but did not approach them. As they reached the tree line, Merlin ducked his head and mumbled, "Iseldir, Artha, Merlo, drohtoþ ende."

Arthur clapped him on the back and Merlin stumbled against a tree root. "That went well, don't you think?"

Merlin agreed. "Yeah. Better than I'd hoped. It'd be good if they're all that easy."

"Yes, although he only decided he liked me, because he thinks I don't think you're always a complete idiot. Little does he know."

Merlin skipped out of the way and stepped over a fallen branch. "It's not that. It's that he doesn't realise you're such a prat. I should mention that to him next time."

Arthur let it drop. "Why did you ask him about the druid boy we rescued, Mordred?"

Merlin looked away. "No reason." His voice was short, but that only provoked Arthur's curiosity.

"Merlin, what is it you're not telling me?"

Merlin's face blanked, Arthur stopped walking and Merlin pushed past him. "All you need to know is that he's dangerous. That's all." His tone was final.

Arthur was beginning to recognise that voice, and that look, a new Merlin, it said any argument right now was futile. He'd need to rethink his strategies later if he wanted to pursue it. Arthur changed the subject. "Do you think Iseldir'll find Morgana and Morgause?"

"Mmm, probably soon too. If Morgause wasn't injured and didn't want to be found, then he mightn't. But Morgana will be fairly easy to track."

"She wasn't that time we were searching for her a year ago."

"Maybe not for you, but Iseldir will find her easily enough, if she's with a druid camp somewhere." He paused. "Arthur, what are you going to do, when we find her?"

Arthur sighed. "I don't know. I know she's betrayed me, you, my father, Camelot, but I don't know. I worry that I may not be able to protect Gwen if she strikes against her. But still I don't know."

Merlin was silent. Arthur nudged him. "What do you think?" They'd reached the road. Merlin stopped at the edge and stared off into the distance, at Camelot, his home. A home should be a safe haven for all who lived there. But it wouldn't be for anyone, when she came back. His boot scuffed at the dirt, and he bit his lip. "Merlin?"

Merlin turned around to face him. He ran a hand over his face, then dropped his arms to his sides, his palms hanging loosely. He nearly spoke then hesitated, he almost wanted to brush the question off, but then his mouth firmed and he looked at Arthur directly. He said deliberately, "Arthur. I poisoned her once before, long ago, when she was the vessel for the sleeping enchantment that gripped Camelot. She had to die for it to break, I couldn't think of any other way to stop Morgause." He stepped closer to Arthur, the prince's face was unreadable. "I meant to kill her, even though she hadn't completely turned away from us then, she trusted me, yet I meant to end her life. Morgause took her then to save her. What do you think of me, Arthur, knowing that?"

Arthur didn't answer.

Merlin held his gaze, watchful. "And yet, those months ago, when she fell down the stairs, she should have died, but I couldn't let it happen. I commanded Kilgharrah, I made him give me a spell to save her. But I didn't save her for myself, I saved her for you, for Gwen, for your father. I couldn't bear to see your grief. And I knew, even then, she was lost to us, she was Morgause's already. I knew that, because her magic had changed, its spirit had hardened to the hate it is still today. But still I hoped I could be wrong. I wanted to be wrong. But I wasn't."

Arthur's eyes flickered, Merlin could not interpret him.

Merlin was very still. He made his arms stay by his side, his posture intentionally open. But he was tense, the darkness was rising inside him, and sometimes he had to let it. His fingers twitched. "And you ask, what do I think? I will tell you what I will do. If she threatens you, Gwen, Gaius, Camelot, anyone, then I will do what I must. If she leaves me with no other option, if I can think of no other way, then I'll sacrifice her to protect you all." He said bluntly, "I'll take her life, Arthur, if there's no other way. That's what I will do. It's what I always do, when there's no other way."

Arthur was silent.

Merlin's mouth compressed, he turned on his heel and began the walk back up the road. After a moment he heard Arthur behind him.

"Merlin!"

He didn't stop, didn't look back, and instead quickened his pace. At times he wanted to yell and scream, to rail against the unfairness of his destiny. He didn't want to kill. He didn't want to kill Morgana. But sometimes he had to be the monster, he would kill, if there was no other way. What other way could there be now, for her? His hands clenched to fists by his side. His eyes stung. Arthur was catching up to him, he could hear his boots scuffing the road.

A hand on his arm, trying to turn him around. "Merlin?"

He didn't want to talk with Arthur. He didn't even look to see if anyone else was nearby, watching, he didn't care. His eyes flared, he retreated to the safety of his own time, and Arthur was left cursing his disappearance. Merlin ran unseen, back up to Camelot, through the gates, to the refuge of his own room. Gaius wasn't there. Merlin stumbled up the steps to his bedroom and shut the door behind him. He released his magic, returning, and crumpled in a messy tangle of limbs face down on the bed. He shut his eyes and buried his head in the pillow. He would shed no tears, not for himself nor for Morgana.

He hadn't expected the visitor, at least not yet, not straightaway. He felt the edge of his bed dip as Arthur sat down on the end. It was too soon, he didn't want this, and it was unexpected because Arthur knew him well enough to know that he should have stayed away.

"That's hardly fair to use your magic to disappear like that."

Merlin didn't move. His voice was dull. "Leave me alone."

"Why?"

Merlin felt a surge of irritation. His fingers curled back into fists. "Why do you think? Just leave, Arthur."

"No. I won't."

The annoyance increased. Merlin turned over and sat up, backing away from the prince and edging up to the head of the bed to lean against the wall. Merlin crossed his arms, his tone dismissive. "Haven't you got something kingly you need to get on with? Meetings? Important decisions to make? Training your men? Visiting your father? Something?"

Arthur looked at him directly and leaned towards him, both his hands on the bed, palms flat, fingers spread out. "I know what you're doing, Merlin. You're trying to get a reaction out of me. You want me to be angry at you because of Morgana, you want me to push you away, so you can justify not putting your trust in me. But I won't do that. I won't let you. You ran away from me." He said flatly, his voice cool, "Don't you ever do that again. That's an order."

Merlin bit his lip and his gaze skittered away. He couldn't stand Arthur watching him, examining every emotion crossing his face. It made him feel too vulnerable and he didn't like the feeling at all. He twisted around and slid his legs off the bed, sitting on the edge, his back to Arthur. Elbows resting on his knees, he put his head in his hands and said impassively, "I am asking you: please leave."

Arthur sighed, the bed moved as he stood up, but he didn't leave. He walked around the end of the bed and sat down beside Merlin, putting an arm across the younger man's back. He pulled him closer in a hug, it was getting easier every time he did it, even if this time Merlin was tense with rejection, his posture unreceptive. "You're as prickly as a bramble patch at times, Merlin."

Merlin's tension increased, Arthur registered it but ignored the unspoken rebuff. "Merlin. It's okay. I understand, Merlin. I do. I don't like it, but I agree with you."

Merlin looked up. "What?"

"I agree with you. She's our enemy now. For the sake of Camelot, to protect its citizens, if she won't stop, then she has to die."

"You can't mean that."

"I don't want to mean it. She's always been like a sister to me, even before I knew that's who she really was. But I understand. My responsibility is to those who serve me, to the citizens of Camelot. And that means keeping them safe no matter what."

There was a long silence, then Merlin whispered, "I don't want to do it."

Arthur said, "I know. I will, if we have to." But in truth, he didn't know if he could. He swallowed, "She's my responsibility. She can't continue as a danger to us all."

Merlin said quietly, "No, I can't let you kill her, Arthur. I know you, you still have hope for her, however unrealistic it may be. She's your sister. It'll damage you to act in such a way, and I won't let you do it. She's a magical threat, it will be me. That's how it has to be."

He looked up, there were tears in his eyes. "But Arthur, taking a life must always be the last resort. And magic must always be used for good. How can killing Morgana be good? Morgana's only ever known that if she showed her true self to those she loved, she'd be faced with rejection, hate and fear, maybe death. Never acceptance. Maybe, if she'd known that you'd accept my magic, she might have told you. But she didn't, she was too scared, I know, she knew I was aware of her magic, and she knew I kept it from you too."

Arthur said slowly, "I don't know, what I would have done, if I'd found out about her. I like to think I would have still cared for her, but I don't know."

"Arthur, I wondered once, if you might, because you helped us with the druid boy. But keeping such a secret from your father would have been damaging for all three of you. Morgana was always isolated from those she cared for. No wonder she took the love and friendship Morgause offered her, what other option did she have?"

"Merlin, you never turned away from what's right."

"No, but I'm stronger than her, Arthur. And I was never alone. I've had magic since the day I was born, I've lived with it all my life, I had a mother who knew about it and loved me regardless, I had Will. In Camelot, I had Gaius, I couldn't have survived here if it wasn't for him. When I struggled with what I am, I always had people who knew what I was yet still cared for me, I always knew that they'd never turn their backs on me. And I had hope, though sometimes not much, that maybe, when you found out about me, that you may, eventually, someday ... accept me and my magic too. But Morgana was always alone, always afraid, until she found Morgause. I was the one person who could have helped her, and I didn't."

Arthur shook his head, but Merlin held up his hand. "Stop. Please. I'm so sorry, Arthur. I tried, I really did. I wanted to save her. I tried to help her, to turn her away from the darkness. But I couldn't. And I'm sorry." His eyes were bright, Arthur knew his were too.

Merlin dropped his head down, he leant towards Arthur, and Arthur's arm tightened around his shoulders again. They sat, in silence, not speaking any further as they mourned what had been and what must be: Morgana.

It was a long time later, when two things happened simultaneously. The outer door opened, Gaius was back. As Arthur met the old man's eyes through the open doorway Merlin let out a soft gasp. Arthur turned back to him, Merlin's head fell back, and he swayed slightly, his eyes focused inward, elsewhere. A presence had passed through his wards. He stood up.

"Morgana's here."

A/N: Hope you're still reading, I thought that chapter was a little slow. :( More "action" in the next.

TRANSLATIONS:

"Iseldir, Artha, Merlo, bedydre úree drohtoþ, nan ac ús tó ofásce." ISELDIR, ARTHUR, MERLIN, CONCEAL OUR CONVERSATION, NONE BUT US TO HEAR

"Iseldir, Artha, Merlo, drohtoþ ende." ISELDIR, ARTHUR, MERLIN, CONVERSATION COMPLETE