Author's note : Thanks to all of those who has reviewed, favourited and follwed my story. The HP refference of the previous chapter is from HP 4 when Voldemort said to Harry : After tonight, no one will ever question my powers... And I, being a merciful lord obliged. That's almost the same thing what Ajajil said to Merlin when he was going to kill our hero. Actually I was watching HP 4 when I was writing the scene. Anyway , Thanks again and enjoy the long waited confrontation. Sorry for the delay. I hope this long chapter will make up for it.

Chapter 11

I am sorry

[ Royal bedchamber of Camelot. 30 minutes after Merlin's victory over Ajajil ]

King Arthur Pendragon was sitting behind his desk doing some late - night paperwork. He was waiting for his wife and son to return. His wife was looking for his son who might be doing some night time snooping. A smile crept onto Arthur's face. Aren sometimes did that and it was Merlin who usually found him and tucked him in bed.

Merlin ! That fraud. Thinking about his ex- manservant brought Arthur pain and rage in his mind. He trusted that young man with his life, shared every secrets of him , loved him as his own brother. And this was how he repayed him. Arthur thought furiously.

' He used magic behind my back. Betrayed my trust and sold me to Morgana. And I thought him as my friend. '

A single tear dropped from the king's eyes when he thought all these. Yes, he was betrayed by many in his life. He was betrayed by her sister when she embraced magic instead of her family. He was lied by his father who hid the parentage of Morgana from him. His uncle betrayed him for a reason he still didn't know but none of those broke his heart apart like Merlin's betrayal did.

Merlin was one constant in his life. For eight years, he was an inseperable part of him. He was always there for him when he needed help. Merlin was a real friend which he never had. And after a few years of their first meeting, he began to consider Merlin as his younger brother. And this was how that traitor repayed him.

By practicing magic.

Magic, The darkest thing in the world. The same magic which consumed his sister's bright soul, the same magic who took away his father and mother .

The same magic which consumed his brother too.

Now that Arthur thought it, he realized that his brother was not himself during these last months. He talked less, rarely smiled and he was always cold towards Mordred.

Maybe that's because of magic. Yes, that must be it. Merlin began to practice magic and it began to destroy his soul . That's why he was so gloomy lately. Arthur reasoned.

But why did he not take the chance of returning magic when Arthur seeked his counsel about it. Arthur wondered.

It was Mordred, you idiot. Can't you see ? A voice spoke in his mind.

' Of course. It was Mordred. That boy stabbed Morgana. And Merlin wanted to avenge her. It makes all sense now. ' Arthur mused and reprimanded himself for not seeing this earlier.

But one thing was still not clear to the king of Camelot. One question was still not answered. And that was ' Why? ' .

Why Merlin betrayed him ? Why he took the side of magic and Morgana ? Why he began to practice sorcery ?

Merlin never was a man who wanted power or wealth. He was always humble and kind. Always helpful to others. Always cheery and goofy. So, why did he choose magic ? Why did he abandon his friends and join Morgana ? These questions were bothering him for last three days . Maybe The Inquisitorial Knights will find answers of these troubling questions. Arthur thought.

' And what if they don't find any answers ? ' The sceptical part of his mind asked himself.

" Argh. " Arthur groaned in exasperation.

' They will find answers. They have to. They will find the missing piece of this puzzle. Mordred gave me the first piece and they will give me the last piece. ' Arthur thought confidently.

But his confidence soon shattered, when his mind's sceptical part questioned him again.

' And what if I am wrong ? What if I am trying to solve the wrong puzzle? What if it's Mordred who's lying ? What if Merlin's innocent ? '

" No. NO. He can't be innocent . He has magic. Magic is evil. That makes him evil too . " Arthur shouted out loud.

" Then why did he save your son ? " A voice asked.

Arthur looked up and saw his queen standing before him , his son at her arms.

The king still didn't have the faintest idea that all his questionss would be answered soon by Queen Guinevere Pendragon.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

When Gwen opened the door of the royal chamber, she saw her husband sitting silently behind his desk. Gwen could see that Arthur was thinking something seriously. She entered with Aren without making any noise and kept watching Arthur ; wondering what he was thinking about.

Then the king suddenly yelled , " NO. NO. He can't be innocent. He has magic. Magic is evil. That makes him evil too. "

' So, he was thinking about Merlin. ' Gwen said in her mind.

She became angry at her husband hearing such words coming out of his mouth. She met Merlin tonight and he saved her son's life again. This time ,it was from Mordred . She talked to her old friend briefly afterwards. And what she heard from him and from Uriel made her realize that Merlin might be many thing but never evil.

And she would make Arthur understand this simple fact. If he doesn't want to listen, then she will make him.

So, with this resolution in her mind, she moved towards her husband and asked a simple question, " Then why did he save your son ? "

Arthur looked up hastily. He was a little startled to see Gwen. So, he asked , " I'm sorry. What did you say ? "

" I said , if Merlin was really evil, then why did he save your son ? It's a simple question . " Gwen said . A hint of anger was clear in her voice.

" It's obvious. " Arthur said.

" Obvious ? I can't imagine how . " Gwen said.

" He was trying to earn my trust over magic by saving Aren so that he can openly use sorcery and contaminate Camelot with it. " Arthur said angrily.

Gwen was bewildered. Of all the things , she thought that she might hear, this was the last thing she expected to hear.

" OH BRAVO , Arthur ! You really are a genious. Seriously , to gain your trust ? I am having difficulty to believe that you were groomed to become a king from birth.

He did it because he loves Aren as his own son. He couldn't bear the thought of losing him. He loves him so much that he was ready to reveal his secret in front of you if it meant that Aren would be saved. Use your head, Arthur. Don't be magic-hater fool like your father. " She said loudly.

Arthur's face twisted in anger. He stood up abruptly and the chair fell to the floor.

" Don't give me such bullshits. Merlin was the one who took Aren to Dunwall and handed him to Ari. "

" But he didn't. " This time Aren spoke up.

" What did you say , Aren ? " Arthur asked confusingly.

" Uncle Merl didn't take me out. I asked, he refused. Said war is dangerous. Then Uncle Mord came, he tried to take me. I refused . Said Uncle Merl says no. Then I felt sleepy. When I woke up, I was with you. Riding towards home. " Aren said .

" Then why did you say that Merlin took you to Dunwall before ? " Arthur asked again.

" Wh-hat ? I didn't say it. I said Uncle Mord tried to take me but I refused. I never said anything about uncle Merl . " Aren said nervously.

Arthur was gobsmacked. He coudn't believe what he was hearing. But if it's true, did that mean...

Arthur's train of thought was cut off by Aren's words again.

" Please. Don't do anything to Uncle. He is already hurt. "

" What does he mean by that , Gwen ? " Arthur demanded.

" Gwaine, Percivel, Leon, Gaius , please enter. " Gwen said.

The said persons entered the royal chamber and stood still behind the queen.

" Sir Gwaine, would you please take Aren to his chamber ? " Gwen asked.

Sir Gwaine nodded. Gwen smiled . Then she kissed her son and gave him to Gwaine. Gwaine took the prince and went out of the room.

Arthur said nothing during this time. When Gwaine left the room , he opened his mouth.

" What is the meaning of all this ? EXPLAIN NOW. "

Gwen moved forward and leaned towards Arthur.

Slap.

Arthur was bewildered when he realized what happened . Gwen had slapped him. GWEN. Her beloved wife. She slapped him. He looked at his wife. She was fuming with rage which was so unlike her usual kind self. He looked at other people standing in the room. They were equally astonished at Gwen's sudden outburst.

" What was that for ? " Arthur asked. His was both confused and angry. And he wanted explanation.

" That was for torturing my best friend . That was for almost killing my son. " Gwen shouted.

" Have you gone mad ? Why would I try to hurt Aren ? And who are you calling best friend ? That traitor ? Had you gone to visit him ? How dare you ! I shoul... " Arthur stopped abruptly.

" Wait. That explains everything. You are all enchanted by that sorceror and now you have come to take revenge on his behalf . " Arthur said as if he had solved a riddle.

A low chuckle was heard from the door . Gwaine was back and he was standing right beside Leon chuckling humorlessly.

" Oh please, princess. Don't be so wise. It doesn't suit you. If Merlin really enchanted us, then that means he is free of those blasted restraints. Does that mean something to you ? "

Arthur's eyes widened. " That means he got back his magic. "

" Yes, Arthur he did. But if he really meant to harm you, don't you think he himself would have come instead of sending us ? " Gwaine said sarcastically.

Arthur said nothing. He was processing the whole situation. It was overwhelming. So he just closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

" So, what are you suggesting ? You are not enchanted ? That Merlin is innocent ? But he has magic . That is enough evidence that he is evil. Besides, he is a spy of Morgana. Mordred himself has said it. "

Gwen's face again morphed into anger hearing the Druid's name. She raised her hand again. But Gaius stopped her. He said , " Please, Gwen. Stay come. Anger won't solve anything. We must remain calm. Let me handle this. "

Gwen calmed a little. Then nodded. Gaius looked at the knights and they also nodded approvingly.

Then the physician stepped forward and said , " I am dissapointed in you , sire. I thought you would be better than your father. "

" I AM NOT MY FATHER. " Arthur yelled at the top of his voice.

" Your action indicates otherwise, sire. And please lower your voice. It is the middle of night. The whole castle is sleeping. You shouldn't wake them up. " Gaius said calmly.

" No. I won't talk with you. You have commited high trason by breking the royal decree. I issued an order of not seeing the sorcerer. And you disobeyed that. You are all arrested. GUARDS. " Arthur yelled but none came.

" No one will come . We have already taken care of that. You have no other choice but to listen to us. " Leon said coolly.

" You too, Leon. I thought you would be at least loyal to me. " Arthur said accusingly.

" I am loyal to Camelot, sire. But I can't just stand by and watch an innocent man suffer. What we are doing against magical community is wrong. Not all magic is evil. The druids saved me . That is surely not an evil thing. And Merlin is the ultimate proof of magic not being inherently evil. Just think about it rationally, Arthur. And you will see the truth in my word. " Leon said.

Gwen spoke up again. But this time she was a lot calmer.

" Please, Arthur just listen to us. After we finish, you can decide for yourself who is good and who is evil . Just please listen. "

Arthur looked at Gwen's pleading face which was a moment ago been full of anger. But now her face was calm like her usual kind and gentle soul. Arthur looked Gwen in the eyes and said , " Very well. I will listen . "

Gwen smiled. She pulled out a chair, sat beside Arthur and started her story about what happened earlier that evening.

Others did the same thing and joined Gwen in telling everything what they saw in the cell of the dragonlords to Arthur.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

[ One hour earlier ]

Gwen was becoming a little frustrated . She was looking for her son for almost half an hour but there was no trace of the little prince.

' Where did that little devil go ? ' Gwen thought.

After searching for a little longer, she made her mind to go to the knights' quartars. That was one of Aren's favourite places for night time snooping. So, she began to walk towards the knights' quartars. When she reached her destination, she found the knight's hallway empty. She walked towards the end of the hallway where the knights of the round table resided. She was going to knock at Leon's chamber to ask if he saw Aren.

But then she saw something unusual. The door of Mordred's chamber open.

' That is odd. Why did he keep his chamber's door open ? '

Gwen entered the druid's chamber. The chamber was empty. She was going to exit the chamber. But then she saw a writing painted on the wall of the chamber.

I HAVE THE PRINCE. COME TO THE CELL OF THE DRAGONLORDS AND ENJOY THE SHOW.

MORDRED

The messege was written by blood . Gwen gasped in horror. She ran out and began to bang on Leon's chamber's door frantically.

" LEON. LEON. OPEN UP. " Gwen shouted.

The door was opened a few moments later. Leon was already dressed and gave Gwen a concerned look.

" Your majesty. What's the matter ? Is anything wrong ? "

Meanwhile , Percival was also out of their room. He was giving Gwen and Leon a questioning look.

" Leon, Percival. There's something horrible happened. You must see this. " Tear was threatening to fall from the queen's eyes. She took the knights to Mordred's chamber and showed them the messege.

" We need to go there. Whatever he's planning, I'm sure it's not good. " Percival said calmly.

" But that cell is off limit to us. Only the king , The Inquisition and Mordred is allowed to go there. Almost fiftty guards are guarding that cell. How will we be able to get in there ? " Leon said hesitantly.

" We should go to Arthur and tell him . He will arrest Mordred and save the prince . " Percival said.

" Use your head, Percival. Arthur's chamber is at the other side of the castle. Mordred has my son and who knows what is happening to him. We can't waste any time. The cell is not far from here . We must go now. I need to get my son back. " Gwen was crying by the time she stopped.

" You're right, milady. We can't waste any more time. Percival , grab your sword. We are going to the cell of the dragonlords. " Leon said resolutely.

OOOOOOOOOOO

They thought they would use stealth to enter the cell but in reality they didn't need it as when they reached the cell all the guards were already knocked out.

" What is the meaning of this ? It's like as if he was mocking us . " Leon said frustratingly.

" Who cares ? Let's go. " Percival said.

They entered the outer cell but when they wanted to enter the inner one they were stopped by an invisible barrier. They looked inside the cell through the bars and were horrified.

They saw a figure chained to the wall of the cell. The figure was bloodied from head to toe. It was clear that he was tortured.

"Merlin , " Gwen whispered.

" What ? " The two knights whispered.

" That figure. He is Merlin. Oh dear. What Arthur has done to him ? " Gwen chocked on her word.

" Shh, My lady. There's someone else in the cell. " Percival said.

" How the mighty have fallen ! It was quite hillarious seeing you trusting me. It's a shame that you haven't joined Morgana. Things would have been much easier. Oh well. At least I get to kill you now and avenge Kara. But before that you'll see your beloved nephew die in front of you. "

A voice was heard from the inside of the cell. And then they saw the owner of the voice. Mordred moved and came into the line of sight of the knights and the queen.

" Please Mordred. It is me you hate. Don't hurt an innocent child. I beg of you. I am sorry for what happened to Kara. But please, don't hurt Aren. " The pleadinng voice of Merlin was heard. They were all shocked to hear how broken Merlin sounded.

" NO. He is going to kill my son. You have to do something. Leon, Percival please. " Gwen pleaded.

" We're trying , your majesty but we're helpless. The barrier won't let us in . " Leon said and for the second time in his life he felt so useless.

" I can't just wait here and watch my son die. "

" But where is the prince ? I can't see him in there. " Percival said . Confusion was clear in his voice.

" There , on the floor. He is lying there. " Leon pointed at the stone floor of the cell.

Gwen was going to say something but instead she screamed when Mordred said , " Too late for apologies. " And plunged his sword toward the lying form of The Prince.

But then something happened which Gwen and the knights didn't even imagine in their wildest dreams. The chains holding Merlin shattered and a mild storm began to brew inside the cell.

The warlock's two eyes were glowing gold entirely. Gwen gasped seeing this. She heard that Merlin was a sorcerer but seeing it before her eyes was entirely another thing.

" You have made a great mistake by angering the Emrys. You tried to hurt my nephew which was a bad idea. " Merlin said in a grave tone and it scared Gwen. Unimaginable power was emitting from her friend and she couldn't believe that this was the same Merlin she first met by the stocks all those years ago.

Mordred flew across the cell as if he were a rag doll. Gwen felt a little sympathy for the Druid but that vanished when she thought what he was going to her son.

Then Merlin said in same menacing tone, " I am letting you go for this time as a repayment for your fake kindness. Flee, flee for your life and never come back. "

Mordred then vanished in thin air and Merlin fell to the ground and blood began to splutter from his numerous wounds.

The barrier vanished when Mordred escaped and the knights entered the cell followed by their queen. But before they could reach Merlin or the prince ; a white light engulfed the entire room. They were blinded by the light for a moment. When they opened their eyes again, they saw a figure standing before them. He looked like a noble man. He was maybe in his late forties. A crown was adorning his head.

' He must be a king ,' Gwen thought.

She looked around and was shocked to see a confused Sir Gwaine was standing beside the noble man.

The noble man looked powerful and Gwen thought that crossing him wouldn't be a good idea. But as she was the queen, she thought that she should initiate a conversation to know what was happening.

" Um... Where is Merlin ? And who are you ? " Gwen asked nervously like she was not a queen but a timid maid. But she couldn't help feeling so small before the regal man.

" Don't need to be afraid, Queen Guinevere. I am Uriel Ignotus. But you know me as the Fisher King. " After saying this his eyes glowed gold again.

A soft groan was heard and Gwen saw his son who was lying on the floor opening his eyes. She hurried to her son and took him in her arms. She kissed him on his forehead and said , " My boy, sweetheart, where did you go ? I was worried sick . "

Aren was confused seeing his mother's anxious look.

" Mummy, why are you sad ? I was explorimg the castle. Then uncle Mord came and said he would take me to uncle Merl. I didn't see uncle for a long time. So, I went. "

Saying this , Aren began to cry.

" Shh. My love. Why are you crying? " Gwen tried to comfort her child.

" Who hurt uncle , mummy ? He is not bad, is he ? " Aren asked.

Hearing her son's question, Gwen asked herself, ' Is Merlin a good man or a bad man ? '

When she first heard that Merlin had magic, she was confused. Why would a good and kind-hearted man like Merlin would dabble with the evil art of sorcerey ? One part of her mind said that Morgana was good too but she was consumed by the darkness of magic. Then why would Merlin be different ?

But then another part of her mind screamed that Merlin was her best friend . She was saved by him many times in the past. He was her beacon of light when Arthur abandoned him. He was always ther for her. He was the reason why she was the queen now.

So, if Merlin used magic, then there must be a decent reason. She was ashamed to think that she left her friend to rot in this hell-hole . Now , she was going to make it up to her friend. And she took the first step by saying to his son , " No, my love. Your uncle is a very good man. Some bad people has hurt him . But we'll not let that happen again. "

Aren smiled hearing the assurance. " That's what uncle said. Some bad people has hurt him. But he wouldn't say who ? "

That's the Merlin she knew. Even he was through hell, ( Which Gwen was sure of seeing his bloody form , though she saw her friend from distance ) he wouldn't let Aren think bad of his father. Always the noble one. Gwen thought fondly.

" Speaking of Merlin, where is he ? And by saying fisher king, you meant the legendary king of Perilous Lands ? " Leon's questioning voice rang through the cell.

Gwen looked back to the king and realized that she was before a king.

So, she curtsied the king and said , " Apologies, your majesty. I got carried away. So, where is Merlin ? I need to meet him. "

" Yes, where the hell is he ? And who has hurt him ? I will tear them apart limb by limb. " Gwine shouted angrily.

" Peace, Sir Strength. Your friend is completely fine. I healed his injuries caused by the torture of The Inquisitorial Knights. Then he was snatched by the Triple Goddess so that he could duel the Goddess and fulfill his destiny. " The king said calmly.

" I will kill those knights... Wait. He went to duel ? With a bloody goddess ? You have sent him to his death, you bastard. " Gwaine would have attacked the king if Percival didn't stop him.

" Please, Sir Knight. Don't be so rude. I freed you from dungeon so that you could bid farewell to your friend when he will leave Camelot . And don't worry. He is a lot powerful than what you think. " Uriel said.

" But powerful enough to duel a goddess ? Surely, he can't be that powerful . " Gwen said sceptically.

" He is Emrys, my dear. He is the most powerful warlock to ever walk on this land. And he is the last dragonlord. A Goddess is puny compared to him. He will defeat her. " The king said confidently.

" I don't care. Find him and help him any way you can. Otherwise I will have your head . " Gwaine spat.

Uriel saw that the rogue knight would not listen to reason . So he sighed and said, " Very well. I'll come back within a minute . "

Uriel vanished in a whirlwind and left the people in the cell in an uneasy silence.

Leon was the one who broke the silence.

" Did he say that Merlin is the last dragonlord ? "

" Yes. Why do you ask ? " Percival questioned.

" Because that means that I was not dreaming when I saw Merlin speaking with the great dragon in gibberish and then the dragon bowed and Merlin let him go. "

" WHAT ? I thought princess slayed that beast. And why didn't you tell us ? " Gwaine was astonished hearing what Leon said.

" Because I thought I was dreaming. I was badly wounded then. And certainly, I hadn't thought that Merlin was a dragonlord. Balinor was the last one and Arthur said that he was dead. How could I possibly know that what I saw was not a dream ? It is hard to believe that Merlin has magic. Let alone, him being a dragonlord. "

" That means Balinor was Merlin's father. " Percival said queitly.

" Why would you say that, Perce ? " Gwaine asked.

" Because I know that the power of the dragonlord is hereditary. And Balinor was the last one. Which meant Merlin was his son. "

Everyone went quiet after this sudden revelation.

" It seemed that we knew so little about Merlin . " Leon said sadly.

" So it seemed. " was Gwaine's response.

" Why are you so quiet, milady ? You haven't said anything. " Leon asked the queen.

" I don't care if he is a dragonlord or not. He was my friend and he was always there for me. And when he needed me most, I abandoned him to rot here . I am ashamed . " Gwen almost sobbed.

" We all are to blame. We all except Gwaine stood by and watched. When he comes back, we will apologise to him. " Leon consoled her.

" Don't worry, Gwen. He will forgive you in no time . I know it. " Gwaine said cheerily.

Gwen gave him a smile and nodded in thanks. She only prayed that Merlin would forgive her. She promised to herself that she would make Arthur believe that Merlin was innocent even if she had to use force. Her thought was cut short when a whirlwind began to form out of nowhere and from that whirlwind came out Merlin.

Gwen saw astonishment written on her friend's face. Then she was surprised when her brother in everything but blood said, " Please. Gwen, I can explain. I am sorry. "

After everything they had done to him, how could he apologise ? How could he apologise when they were in fault and he was innocent. ' Because he's Merlin. ' Gwen's mind told her.

Then she ran towards her younger brother ( Because that's what he was to her ) and embraced him .

" I am sorry, my brother . "

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I ended it there because this chapter was getting too long . Anyway, I will try my utmost to update in monday. But life has been hectic recently. Next chapter : Merlin's departure from Camelot and arrival at Elmet. Happy reading everyone. Please read and review.