A/N: Hey eveyone! I couldn't believe the response to the first chapter of this! I love you guys, so much so that I'm giving you another chapter! Remember, the more reviews I get, the faster I update. Actually, that's never happened with me before, so yeah...

Anyway, Reviews!

To my first reviewer ever! Pegasus185!

Yes, you are my first reviewer! I'm so happy! Anyway, I love the idea that the pendant also effects what Arthur does, which is sort of what I planned as his judgement would be clouded, but I like the idea and might involve it later on when Arthur has had it for a while. Also, to be honest with you, I hadn't thought much about how the pendant came to be in the forest, but it certainly is a mystery that I hadn't thought about. Don't worry, you'll get your answer, just be patient! (I already have an idea after you mentioned it!) Anyway, I'm glad you like my fic so far and I can't wait to see how this story ends!

Thanks to all who have read my fic so far and please remember to review!

Summary: Arthur finds an enchanted pendant in the forest that causes misery and anger in all who hold it. He then proceeds to take Merlin with him on a quest to find the Dagger of Lost Dreams, which is said to be able to destroy anything, to help him get rid of the pendant. When finally reaching where the dagger once lay, they find nothing and Arthur gets angry and frustrated so takes it out on Merlin. Merlin soon realises that the pendant is affecting Arthur's emotions and knows he can destroy it, but is he willing to do so in front of his prince and best friend?

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 2

It wasn't long until an exhausted Merlin and an angry Arthur returned to Camelot. The heat of the day had faded a little, but it was still blisteringly hot. Merlin was relieved to see the relatively cool stone of the citadel up ahead. He glanced towards his companion, confused as to his attitude. Arthur had blown his top suddenly on the way back when Merlin had stumbled on a tree root. Stumbled, he hadn't even fallen. This wasn't normal. They had spent the rest of the journey in silence, Arthur fuming quietly and Merlin trying not to trip again. The manservant had tried to convince himself that the prince's irritation was caused by the combination of the heat and the unsuccessful hunt, but they had had worst days than this and Arthur had never properly yelled at him before. It scared Merlin more than anything, as he was worried about his friend and was convinced it had something to do with the pendant around his neck. He would have to ask Gaius, which would probably lead to a night spent searching though dusty old books, and he couldn't ask Kilgarrah for help as Uther's current wave of paranoia had led to tighter security, and Merlin didn't want to risk it.

As the two approached the gates, the Lady Morgana came to greet them. Her green and blue dress fitted her perfectly and the fabric seemed to flow, the woman was every inch a noble, her movements screaming of confidence. Behind her was Gwen, wearing yellow today, and she had a simplistic beauty that caught many people's eye. Merlin felt a twinge of anger and hurt when seeing Morgana, but slightly comforted by the presence of Gwen. Merlin hadn't yet told Arthur of when Gwen had kissed him as the relationship between the prince and the servant girl was strained enough as it was, but he cared for Gwen as more of a sister than anything else.

"Was your hunt successful?" Morgana asked, her voice melodic.

Arthur didn't reply, so Merlin simply lifted the dead squirrel.

"A squirrel? Come now Arthur, you can do better than that." Morgana started to tease the prince, and Merlin could see hhim begin to tense up. "After all, you are the great Arthur of Camelot, and all you could catch was a squirrel? What kind of hunter are you? I-" Morgana stopped short as a crazed Arthur interrupted her.

"I'm a perfect fine hunter! It was all Merlin's fault-" Merlin twitched, "-he scared away all the game with his clumsy step! I don't know what my father was thinking when he put the useless lump in my service!" Gwen shot Merlin a confused look at Arthur's tone, but he just shrugged back. He didn't know what was going on either, but he still fought to not flinch back was Arthur turned his anger on him, "And you, Merlin, are the most useless servant I have ever laid eyes on! You're lazy and loud and are always falling over your own feet! Go clean out the stables, I don't want to see you again today."

Merlin watched, stunned, as an irrate Arthur stormed off to his room, soon followed by a supposedly worried Morgana. Merlin didn't miss the glare sent his way, though, and wondered whether she or Morgause had something to do with Arthur's sudden change in attitude.

"Merlin, what was all that about?" Merlin turned to meet Gwen's confused gaze. He briefly considered telling her about the pendant, but decided against it. He wasn't even sure what had changed the prince's mood.

"To be honest Gwen, I'm not sure. I'll ask Gaius later." And he was being honest, he suspected the pendant, but there was no way he could confirm that without knowing more.

"You'd better muck out the stables first, Merlin, let me deal with Arthur." Merlin smiled weakly as Gwen moved away, before heading to the stables himself. Gwen was right, and he really didn't want to make things worse with the prince.

A/N: So what do you think? I know it's quite short, but I haven't decided yet whether or not the chapter will be Merlin tellling Gaius or Gwen talking to Arthur. If you know what you want, please tell me in a review or PM, I don't care which.

Please read and review!