Chapter 8: No more secrets

"Mother?"

"Ulfius, my son! My darling! You're alive! Thank you! Bless you, sir!"

While the women were crying freely, a few of the men were looking less than enthusiastic. Before Arthur had a chance to react, a young farmer grabbed Merlin from behind, drawing a few drops of blood as his dagger pressed on his throat.

Gwaine, who was very close to Merlin, could have taken the young man out easily, but Arthur signalled for him to step back. He needed to gain these people's trust, not kill one of their own.

"What are you doing?" cried out Kay. While his left hand was resting on his son's arm, his attention was fully oriented towards the potential conflict.

"That was magic! Friends of Camelot would not be concealing a sorcerer. Isn't it obvious? They're traitors! They're with her!"

"No, we're not…" Arthur began to say.

Kay cut him off. "How dare you? This man saved my son's life! I don't care how he did it. If you kill him, you'll have me to deal with. Don't you know what a debt of honour is?"

Even without his pitchfork, the white-haired man looked fiercer than anyone Arthur had ever met. The young man seemed to consider the idea – and his chances of survival – and his grip on Merlin slackened a bit.

This was all it took for Gwaine. With a quick trick, he wheeled the young man around, knocked the dagger off his hand and pressed the hilt of his sword on his throat. Merlin stumbled a little and Arthur caught his arm.

"All right, Merlin?" said Gwaine, tossing his long hair to glance at his friend.

A sudden silence fell on all of the women and farmers.

"Merlin?" said Kay's wife with wonder in her voice. "Are you really Merlin? King Arthur's servant?"

"He couldn't be," said the young man who still had Gwaine's sword locked on his chest. "He couldn't be King Arthur's servant and a sorcerer. That's just not possible."

"Looks like you're famous, my friend," said Elyan with a smirk.

Arthur took a step forward. Taking out his sword, he placed its tip on the ground so that it stood before him like a cross.

"It's true," he said ceremoniously. "He is my servant. And he is a sorcerer. He's also a brave man – one of the bravest I know – and a loyal friend, and I will challenge anyone who shows him anything but respect."

At these words, Gwaine released his hold on the young farmer. Kay and his wife stepped forth. Their son Ulfius rose from the table to stand beside his parents. The women and the other farmers joined in behind them. All of them stood rooted on the spot.

It was Kay who broke the silence. "King Arthur," he said solemnly.

Then all of the villagers dropped to one knee to show their allegiance.

"Rise, friends of Camelot," said Arthur while he was sheathing his sword. "It is I who should bow and ask your forgiveness."

Elyan came closer to his side to whisper to his ear. "Shouldn't you be saying that they're all sworn to secrecy?"

Arthur shook his head. "No. I'm prepared to deal with the consequences. No more secrets, if that's all right with you, Merlin. Merlin?"

As Arthur's gaze fell on his friend, what he saw made his heart skip a beat. Merlin was leaning heavily on the long table. The color had been drained from his face and he had a far off look, as though he was seeing something that wasn't there.

Both Arthur and Gwaine had to say his name several times to catch his attention. When he did glance up at the king and the knight, there were drops of sweat on his forehead.

"Kilgharrah," he murmured. "I can feel his presence. He's showing me things, but shutting me out at the same time." He took one shaky breath. "I have to find him. Now."

Without any further explanation, he wheeled around and ran outside. The others were just too stunned to stop him. Arthur meant to go after him, but he was held back by Kay's firm grip.

"My Lord," said the farmer. Then, seeing Arthur's glare fell on his arm, he withdrew his hand. "I apologise, Sire. I'm not one for protocol and such."

"Speak your mind and do it quick," Arthur replied imperatively.

While he was talking, he gestured to Gwaine to head out. The knight nodded in understanding and left.

"If you ride to Camelot head on, you will be caught," said the farmer.

"What do you suggest?" snapped Elyan.

The white-haired man lifted his chin. "We have horses and we can fight. Let us ride with you, my Lord. My son and I. I owe it to Merlin."

Arthur couldn't help but grin.

"Then I can't really leave you behind, can I?"