A/N: Sorry, been a bit longer than I planned on an update, hopefully this will set you up for whats about to come in the coming chapters. Do enjoy and as always R&R.

Chapter 6

Arthur's horse came to a sudden stop and he dismounted. His legs were unsteady and stiff after a long hard ride. He had finally found himself at the mouth of an unfamiliar cave, he had done his best to follow what little direction he had to the druid camp but finally after a relentless search he was here.

The King had insisted upon going alone and told none other than Gwen and Gaius where his mission was to take him. Much to the Queen's dismay and apparently the physician's too he had left early that morning after visiting his servant in his chambers. Arthurs long ride had left him much time to think about the past few days of events from the tragic accident right through to his last visit to his servant which had left him more than a little confused, but he was here, finally.

The cave entrance that lay before him was large and the darkness inside made the King shiver. The area was quiet, too quiet for Arthurs liking, he stood for several minutes in thought of his next move. 'What would Merlin do?' was all he could think. He was certain by now the boy would be rabbiting on to him about how the druids are peaceful souls and that he should no go in so armed in such a sacred place. He finally admitted it, only a few days since the accident and the King was missing the innate babbling from his servant. Arthur pulled a long heavy sigh and placed excalibur onto a nearby rock and lighting a torch he finally entered the cave.

He continued un noticed for sometime until finally a cloaked and hooded figure seemed to suddenly loom up before him in the darkness. He instinctively reached for his sword, cursing at his foolish mistake at leaving the blasted blade behind.

"Arthur Pendragon" the figure did not finch or move but simply stood. "you risk much coming here"

"I am here to seek your help" the king said, strongly and defiantly.

"We know" the figure turned to go, "you are but one side of a coin, and the other is in need of our help." He walked on, "Follow me"

Arthur followed for some minutes until finally the passage stretched out into a cave, large and beautiful, the place seemed to be suddenly teaming with life. The flames of light flickered off every corner and arch of the ornate ceiling leaving Arthur in ewe at his beauty. A tricking spring ran through the centre of the hollowed out cavan and Arthur was sure he could see the water sparkling unnaturally as it followed its path down to the opposite side. The knight then realized the cloaked figure was gone and a tall man with scrawny hair was in front of him.

"Arthur, I see you have finally come for our aid" his green shining eyes met the Kings.

"Yes, how would you know?" Arthur placed the torch between himself and his knew acquaintance.

"Emrys is known by all Arthur."

"Emrys?" Arthur pulled back, taking a step. "I've heard that name before, but i don't know where?"

"You and he are to unite the lands of Albion" the druid almost chanted, "without he, you will not achieve that destiny of the once and future King"

"I've heard Merlin call me that before" Arthurs muddled head felt like it was going to overheat. "What are you saying here? I'm here for your help, not for riddles. Will you help me or not?"

The druid's face almost flashed a look of annoyance that Arthur nearly didn't see. "Be careful with your tone young King" the man walked to the spring, "the Pendragon's are also known by many" He bent down to the spring not far away taking out a small flask he filled it with the clear waters of the stream.

"Give this to your servant" he handed the container to the King who took it slowly looking at the clear liquid inside the glass vial "It will give him much strength" he bowed slightly.

There was a pregnant pause. "Is that it?" Arthur looked perplexed at the man, "just a bit of water and he's all hunky dory?"

The druid man sighed. "Once his strength has returned you must ask him to call Kilgharrah" he said and then pulling a small amulet from his cloak he offered it to the King. "This is an ancient amulet of Borvo, it will help him in the healing process, he must present this to Kilgharrah who will use it to heal him?"

"Kilgharrah?" Arthur pulled an even more bewildered look before taking the amulet with a little unease. "Who is Kilgharrah?"

"Only your servant can answer" the man bowed again. "you must promise us one thing in return for these gifts" he replied finally.

"And what is that?" The King's shoulders tensed, he'd heard enough of the bargaining of the old religion.

"You must trust Merlin" the man whispered, "whatever may be revealed to you within the next few days you must remember where your loyalties lie and who you trust. You will be challenged"

"What do you.." Before Arthur could finish the torch distinguished, leaving the King in the pitch black. Arthurs heart raced, he shot a look in all directions to find that nothing but blackness met him.

"What the hell does that mean?!" he shouted, but all that could be heard was his own voice echoing off the cavern wall and the peaceful trickle of spring water. He stumbled backward, turning in his direction of the entrance. Exhaling a shaky breath then he placed one foot in front of the other, carefully navigating the uneven rocky ground, he needed to keep his cool. He was doing this for Merlin, the last thing he wanted his servant to find out was he got himself lost and scared in a druid cave because the lights went out.

By the time the King made it out of the mouth of the cave the sun was beginning to lower in the sky. He found his trusted steed Meinhard was waiting where his master had left him, gently munching the vegetation. Arthur gave the beast a loving pat before mounting. He wouldn't be back at Camelot until after nightfall now.