Here go's the second chapter I hope you like it please bear with me this is only my 2nd story reviews and suggestions welcome

Chapter 2

Arthur sat straight down on the ground staring at his hands. Then at Merlin lying prone on the ground. Did I really just knock Merlin out? Arthur shakes his head trying to clear it. What was he supposed to do now? Why did Merlin have to go and tell me this? Now, of all times? I thought he was my friend. A little voice inside his head that sounded suspiciously like Merlin replies. "He told you that now; because he is your friend you clotpole." Arthur makes an inarticulate sound; somewhere between rage, frustration and anguish.

Why Merlin? I thought you were the one person I could trust above all else! Again that voice replies, "why can't you trust him now?" "Why, why? Because he's a sorcerer! That's why! For one, and for two he's lied to me about it for all these years!"

Arthur secretly begins to wonder, if the stress of everything that's been happening coupled with Merlin revelation has finally drove him mad? As the voice answers again.

"Really, Arthur now who's being an idiot? According to what he begged you to understand he's had magic since you've known him. Longer even, he was born with it. Until these last moments. You trusted him with your life just fine. Not to mention, telling you the truth appears to have worked out really well so far. Surely you realize, he couldn't possibly have told you about his magic during your father's reign. For if Uther found out it would've been a death sentence for Merlin. He didn't want to put you in the position of having to choose."

As Arthur listened to the sense the voice in his head made Arthur became very ashamed of the blossoming bruises on Merlin and the blood on his own hands. Obviously, part of him agreed with the voice. Because, after all he was having this conversation with himself. Therefore, he is extremely grateful that he didn't accidentally kill Merlin. "Awe... You care if he dies... Maybe you're not such a big clotpole after all"

"Good lord, not only does my inner voice sound like Merlin, it insults me as well." Well given his reaction. He could certainly now understand Merlin's earlier behavior. Every time he thinks of the sound of Merlin's pleas... "Please your Majesty, I cannot speak on this matter to you. I cannot do this again. Especially after what you just said please. Do not ask me. All I've ever wanted to do, is to serve and protect you, and Camelot please..." Anyone else in Merlin's position, would have seized the opportunity to manipulate me into allowing magic back in Camelot. Yet, he tried very hard not to give an opinion.

Arthur shakes his head and rubs his eyes with the heel of his hand; and is shocked to find wetness on his face. He hadn't even realized he was crying.

Why was he crying? "Because, I almost killed the one person I would go to with this problem. For trying to do the honest and right thing by me. Just because, I didn't like what I heard. I despised my father's quick temper and unreasonable judgments. Now, here I am guilty of just the same!"

"No! The question is what am I going to do now? There's only one thing that can be done for now. I will not be forced to execute Merlin until we've had a chance to have a real talk. So, it's time to speak to the Disir."

As Arthur makes his way back through the cave toward the three sisters weird he wonders, is this the right decision?

"This is the only decision left to me. I may not understand everything. Why Merlin did the things he's done. However, I do know that he is not evil... If that were the case; I would have most likely been dead long ago."

As Arthur approaches the dais occupied by the three women; clad in dark robes with hoods pulled low over their faces. They speak to him. Three voices chiming in Unison.

"Why, have thee return so soon? Arthur Penndragon, you're given time is barely started."

Arthur replies, " I need no more time my decision is made. It is the only decision that I can make at this time."

"We see, and what is this decision that you have come to?"

"Considering, things that have just come to my attention. I will give my word that people will no longer be hunted in my kingdom just because they have magic. I will also give my word that I will consider lifting the active ban on magic in Camelot. Once I have had a chance to go over a few things; and make appropriate provisions to the laws."

The voices reply again in Unison, "You mean, you wish to confer with your servant? The one called Merlin to you. Whom you called friend, and yet beat when you found the he had magic."

"Yes," Arthur replies trying to hide the emotion in his voice.

"Are you giving us to understand, that after you speak to this servant of yours; that you will allow magic to return to Camelot? You beat him for having magic. How is this supposed to help us trust your word?"

Arthur looks at the ground and then back up. "All you need to know is that I don't see how it's any of your business... I am ashamed of how I reacted to the news of Merlin's magic. Although, it is his having magic. That lets me now consider that there may be such a thing as good sorcery. There is however, a great deal that I still need to work out for the good of all considered."

Arthur watch's as the sisters exchange silent looks between each other. Then, as one turn back to face him.

"We will grant the healing of your knight, and accept the terms put forth by you for now... In hopes that Emerys may indeed be able to help you... Do not go back on your word to the mouthpiece of the triple goddess for it won't just be you who pays the price. Heed this warning Arthur Penndragon... Go now."

Arthur turns to leave the cave when suddenly he turns back. "Wait, who is this Emerys you speak of?"

The voices answer in Unison. "Leave our cave take your servant and go!"

Arthur makes his way out of the cave, still puzzling over the mystery of This Emerys."It seems like a name I've heard somewhere before... But where?" As Arthur comes out of the entrance to the cave he looks two where he left Merlin to find a strange green robed figure looming over him. He's shocked at the spike of fear and fury that runs through him. "What the hell?" Arthur goes charging forward." Who the hell are you? What the hell are you doing to Merlin?" To Arthur's annoyance the man, for now that he's closer he can definitely see that the green robed figure is definitely a man remains silent.

Arthur unsheathes his sword "I am-"

"Arthur Penndragon, yes I know we've met."

I do apologize for the wait for the update. My personal computer is currently down on having to borrow my husband's at the moment that I can only use at night. Already have some ideas for the third chapter hope you enjoy :) fill free to comment I hope you like it!