A/N

Hello Everyone! Here is one final author's note and one final chapter... well maybe. I want to start off by saying that technically this update is not late as it is being posted early in the month. I was going to try and post earlier, but life delayed me a few days. Despite that, I am glad I waited for today as I really like how this ending turned out and I hope you all enjoy it too. I do want to let you all know that while this story is officially marked complete I will probably post an epilogue and a few deleted scenes that didn't make the cut in a few days. I will also be going back and removing any previous A/N's to stay withing guidelines but mostly because now that the story is complete they aren't really needed. Lastly, I also want to thank everyone who review, fav'd and followed this story. I know I have done it a few times already but it truly means a lot. Thank you all so much. I hope you all enjoy this. And who knows maybe in the future (not any time soon) this story might be worthy of a sequel or something.

Anyways on with the story.

Till next time.

~Agent C.


Chapter VIII

The tension in the air seemed impenetrable. He could feel her stare digging into his very being. He gulped harshley feeling his saliva scrape down his throat like granite. His red neckerchief feeling tighter and heavier around his neck as if a noose was slowly taking its place. The words he had just spoken leaving a silent echo through the armory and he hated having to repeat himself. But, at her look of utter disbelief and confusion, he knew he had to. He couldn't backtrack now. Couldn't lie and say he hadn't said what he did. She wasn't Arthur. She wouldn't be fooled so easily, especially with something of this magnitude.

"I have magic." he whispered again confirming her unasked question. "I have had it my whole life and I…"Merlin trailed off. He what? He should have told her sooner? He wasn't evil? Or worse of all he knew she had magic too. He's known all along and has been letting her suffer and feel as if she were alone. He wished he knew the right words to say but maybe there were no words for something like this. It should be easy, he's had magic his entire life. Yet, talking about something as natural as breathing, seemed near impossible when he has been ingrained with the ideal that his magic while a gift, must be kept a secret. That the thing that makes him special is also the thing that makes him a monster.

Morgana's eyes started to water as she looked closer at him. Really looked at him. How could Merlin- Merlin! Be a sorcerer. He was Arthur's manservant for crying out loud! He was supposed to be her friend. At least she hoped they were friends. She's met his mother, she has helped him on numerous occasions and has even gone to save his town… but it was Merlin. He wouldn't joke about something like this. He was Merlin and he was Arthur's servant, but he was also different. He was always on her side, on Arthur's side, and Gwen's too. Merlin had helped her and put his life on the line to help the druid boy, Mordred, he had saved Arthur's life by that witch's dagger, he had confessed to… he had confessed to using magic to save Gwen's father. One thing after another crossed her mind. What had happened with Sofia being one of them. If she had magic. If somehow her dreams were real then she had dreamt Arthur's demise a hundred times over, but Merlin had always assured her, he'd protect Arthur. When she dreamt of Sofia drowning Arthur before she'd even met her she knew inside her heart that she was right. She feared for the prince's life even if Arthur thought that she was just jealous. Merlin was never afraid. He always seemed so sure of himself and his ability to keep Arthur safe, despite barely being able to weild a sword or any weapon for that matter. Time and time again Merlin and Arthur returned side by side through Camelot's gates.

"Morgana. Please say something. Anything." he urged hoping she would understand. If anyone was able to understand it should be her.

The king's ward couldn't help take a step forward extending her hand out for him to take. The servant took it after a moment caught off guard as she went for a hug. He slowly wrapped his arms around her. He let himself release the breath he was holding. He started to feel the weight around his neck lift slightly as he finally let himself breakdown. He could feel her shake too at least he thought it was her. Maybe it was both of them. Merlin didn't have to look at her to know that she was crying too. That as confused and tired they both were she also felt relief. She was bound to have questions, bound to yell at him later, but she also accepted him. He accepted her as she is too. He sas willing to risk his life, because that what this was. Him being vulnerable and putting his life in her hands. Trusting her and hoping that she would trust him in return.

Then he heard it. A muffled whisper in the back of his mind, sounding distinctly like her voice, but he couldn't make out the words.

"What?" Merlin asked softly.

"He's been out there too long."

Merlin pulled away to look at her. He tilted his head softly only to notice that she was no longer at arms length but across the room checking her adopted father's breathing.

"Arthur should be here by now. He's been out there too long."

Merlin sniffled softly letting out a sigh-yawn as he came back to reality from his daydream. He looked around the room spotting the rack of swords and shields. Then looked towards the one in his grasp. Finally he looked at the tunnel. If Arthur didn't come back he'd have Morgana take a sword and hide out in the tunnel protecting Uther… The question was would she kill him like Morgause wanted once she got the chance.

"He probably got caught up like we did. I am sure he's on his way back." Merlin reassured softly. His mind drifting back to a few moments earlier when they were dragging the king through the palace halls. Similar to his nightmare from a few days ago Merlin and Morgana did indeed encounter a dark night, yet instead of going straight for him, the knight seemed just as intent to kill Morgana as it was him.

Merlin had just managed to pull her out of the way of his blade before Morgana could be split in two. Merlin in turn also used magic to make the sword slip from the knights grasp causing him to miss. Losing his sword didn't seem to matter as he tried to reach for them. Merlin kicked the sword to Morgana who picked it up and tried to stab the knight. She delt it what would have been a fatal blow before yanking the sword out by kicking the knight back. The duo barely made it round the corner with Merlin using his magic to make the king easier to drag around. He hoped Morgana wouldn't question how the king suddenly weighed as much as a new born calf.

Morgana nodded her mind also on the knight that had attacked her. She'd be dead if it wasn't for Merlin. Would that knight really kill her? If the knight was in league with Morgause then, why would her sister try to hurt her? Morgana stopped that thought before she could let it run. It had to be an accident. Her sister wouldn't do that, why would she give her their mother's ring otherwise.

"I don't think I said it back there, but thank you. You saved me."

Merlin smiled tensly his eyes weighing heavily on his face. "You'd do the same for me."


Since he left Morgana and Merlin he could feel the sleepiness escaped him as his heart pounded with adrenaline, or at least he assumed that was the reason. How was he to know that the further he stayed from his adoptive sister the more time he would have before passing out on the cobblestone like his father.

Arthur had done good to go in and out through servant corridors making his way slowly to the throne room where Merlin had said the cart was. He made a wrong turn a ways back, but was able to use his knowledge of the castle to alter his route. What could he say? It has been a long while since he used the servant's corridors. He must have been 9 when he and Morgana would sneak all around the castle trying to spy on the nobles or hide to get away from their lessons.

He couldn't let those thought occupy his mind though as he finally arrived at his destination, the cart in plain sight, as were the three knights of Medhir making their way into the throne room.


Morgana couldn't help but stare at the king. Maybe if they gave him up to Morgause, she would put an end to all this. Maybe…

Whatever thought was going to cross her mind stopped as her eyes narrowed on the servant. He had yawned for the third time since they had reached the armory, and he looked like he could barely hold his head up.

"Merlin, you need to stay awake."

Merlin hymned closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them impossibly and letting another yawn escape him. Morgana could help look from the servant towards the door. Merlin was about to fall asleep if she didn't do something. An image of Gwen collapsing without warning flashed through her mind causing her to rush forwards and grasp the servants arms helping him sit down.

"Merlin!"

"I'm up. I swear… I juust" he yawns out the word his eyes struggling to stay open.

Morgana sighed looking at his medicine bag. "Merlin, please, please, please tell me that you have one of Gaius's anti-sleeping potions on you."

Merlin nodded.

Morgana exhaled in relief as she moved to search his back before he pulled the bag closer to him.

"No!" he yelled recalling the bottle of poison was in his bag as well, "I'm fine. I can get it."

Morgana rolled her eyes caught between worry and annoyance. "Well get on with it then, before you pass out."

Merlin reached for his bag and moved closer to it, so he could cover the inside of the bag in case Morgana decided to look inside it. He grabbed the first bottle closest to him before letting it drop back. The first bottle softly tinkling against his anti-sleeping potion.

He had accidentally grabbed the poison, and just stopped himself from pulling it out in front of Morgana.

He could hear her choking for breath and refused to let his vision come to light. There had to be another way. There was always another way, he just had to find it.

"Morgana, I know why you're really awake." He said sharply before thinking it through. He watched as her eye narrowed.

"What are you-"

"Your magic is keeping you awake."

"Merlin I-"

"No! Please listen. Even if you had taken Ga Guy's potom-" Merlin paused correcting himself, "potion you would have felt the effects by now. Cert- Certainly by now before me and Arthur. Your magic must be protecting you."

CLAAAAAAANG! CRAASH! TAP!TAP!TAP!TAP!

"OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR!"

Merlin and Morgana looked to each other, a look that said the conversation wasn't over, before rushing to open the door watching as Arthur stumbled in with the cart.


Morgana cleared her throat moving towards Arthur and helping him barricade the door.

"I was worried about you."

Arthur ignored her going towards his father motioning for Merlin to help him carry Uther onto the cart.

"They're right behind me. You two need to leave. Take my father out through the tunnels. Ill try and buy you time.

Morgana groaned in irritation, what was it with men always wanting to die. "We're not leaving you behind!"

"Morgana, for once just listen to me." Arthur said his sleepiness returning stronger than before.

"No! We can all get out together."

"And what then! We let Camelot fall to Morgause. No. I'll figure something out." Arthur said, unconvincingly before motioning towards Merlin towards the door. "You need to take Morgana and my father out of Camelot. Stay in the woods, go to Ealdor I don't care just protect them and I'll find my way to you."

"Arthur, you can't be serious. You can barely stay awake."

Arthur reaches into his trousers and pulls out the potion un corking it. Merlin sighs reluctantly and does the same, making sure to grab the correct bottle out of his bag.

"It won't last forever." Merlin tells Arthur as they look at one another before taking a swing from their potions till they finish them.

"I know, but I can't just give up. You have to leave me behind."

"You're insane if you think I'm doing that." Merlin retorted bluntly. Trying to blink away his sleepiness. The potion was potent but not fast acting apparently.

"MERlin…" Arthur starts before trailing off seeing the rebuttal on both Merlin and Morgana's faces. "Okay. You're right, which is why I gotta-"Arthur slams Merlin to the side pushing him out of the way before making a hasty exit through the narrow opening of the armory's door.

"NO!" Merlin yells trying to peer through the door watching as Arthur takes off down the hall releasing the loudest battle cry his ever heard. If the knights were not zeroed in on their location they certainly were now.


Morgana shook her head, but moved towards the cart. As buttheaded as Arthur was, perhaps he had a point. She looked towards Merlin motioning for help getting Uther and the cart through the tunnel entrance.

Merlin shakes his head. "We can't."

Morgana gives in and decides to give him a moment moving to sit next to him.

"We can't stay here forever. They'd find us."

"I know."

"Merlin, about what you said… You know before Arthur barged in. I- Well. Thanks for not saying anything to him."

"It's all right." Merlin starts he was ready. He was. He just had to tell her the truth. He had to tell her that he knew, she knew about the curse. He-

"No. It's not. You're a good friend, Merlin. You always have been. You've tried to help me before with the druids. You have kept my secret. You have done so much. So much to help me and I. I've been lying to you. All this time."

Merlin raised his brow in shock unable to process. Was she actually. "What are you talking about?"

Morgana sighs picking up her dress skirt causing Merlin's eyes to widen before instinctively looking away. Morgana unties the ring and ribbon and holds it out to him.

Merlin turns back hesitantly looking at her then back down to the ring. He can feel the magic radiating off it.

"It's from Morgause. She gave it to me to- I am so sorry."

Merlin grabs the ring taking a look at it. This wasn't part of his dream. "What is it?"

"It's spelled. I think its the real reason why I haven't fallen asleep. I- I think its what made everyone fall asleep. She also gave me a note."

Merlin swallowed softly. She had confirmed his suspicions. In his dream Morgause had made Morgana the anchor, but somehow his knowledge had made it so Morgause made this the anchor instead.

"I am so sorry! I knew she was planning something, but I didn't know it would get this bad. I swear Merlin. I just. I don't want to be afraid anymore. I didn't know what to do and I trusted Morgause. She used to talk about getting rid of Uther so that magic could be free and then her note said that she wanted to do something for the betterment of magic, so I thought. Maybe I don't know she would get rid of him somehow. But I couldn't even think that she would hurt Arthur or anyone else. Please Merlin you have to believe me."

Merlin couldn't help his look of betrayal and anger on his face. He knew it wasn't his fault. And he knew all along that she was on Morgause's side, but hearing her say it hurt.

"How could you do that? How could you help her. You had to know that any plan of Morgause's was bound to end in other's getting hurt not just Uther. Morgause is an extremist willing to do anything for her cause, no matter who gets in her way."

Morgana starts tearing up, "I'm sorry."

"Tell me. I have to know why you did it. How you could put her over us. Over Arthur and Gwen and everyone in Camelot. We love you. Arthur is out there protecting you, knowing he could die and probably won't make it back. Gaius and Gwen are passed out from the spell do you even care about them or were they more cannon fodder for your vendetta against Uther."

"I NEVER wanted this!"

"THEN WHY! Why did you do it. I know you didn't feel safe, but we could have tried something else."

"Like what? Because going to the druids worked out so well. I didn't want people to die for me."

Merlin laughs maniacally standing over her, "No, instead you would rather them die because of you."

Morgana moved to push him away from her as she started to bawl her eyes out. Merlin reached up and caught her wrists. Morgana tried to get out of his grasp her eyes widening in fear causing Merlin to stop. Her fear an echo of the image from his dreams. Merlin let out a breath, before pulling her closer to embrace. He rubbed circles on her back and she finally calmed down though she still kept crying she was no longer fighting him and instead returned the embrace sniffling onto his tunic.

"I am truly sorry, for everything." she whispered into his chest afraid to look up at him.

He could understand her fear. Could understand how it felt to be alone, even understand her point of view, but he would never have put Camelot at risk.

"I know." Merlin tightened his hold gently, "I am glad you told me the truth. Hopefully it's not too late."

"I'm sorry." she repeated again unable to conjure any other words. Her soul ached, her voice felt strained and it felt like she couldn't let go of him. The moment she did she would fall apart more than she was now.

"It's okay. Well it's not, but if Gaius and I are right, we might have a way to save everyone."

"I'm sorry."

Merlin sighed moving to sit down bringing her onto his lap. "Promise to never do that again. Promise to end whatever relationship you have with Morgause. Please."

Morgana, finally looked up at him tied between nodding and shaking her head. If she broke away from Morgause she would also be severing the only connection she had to her parents, to her true family, to magic.

"I'm sorry… I- I can't. She's. She's my-"

"Sister."

Morgana's eyes widened accusingly.

"I've known for a while. I was waiting for you to tell me. I trusted that you would still do the right thing. I couldn't have imagined you giving everyone up to a stranger, even if she was your half sister."

Morgana felt her anger and sadness overlapping until finally it all spilled over. "You've known. You've known all along."

"Yes. I didn't think it was my place to say anything."

She nodded, "And now?"

"Now its either her or Camelot. You have to pick a side Morgana."

"How can you ask me to choose? What if it were your father? What if she was your family. Family you have thought was lost to you. She is the only connection I have to my family, Merlin. To my mother and father. The ring you're holding is an heirloom from my mother."

Merlin struggled to string words together into a sentence, "I. I-"

"Could you really give up the chance to get to know your father. Or a long lost family member. One who has the same gifts and abilities as me. One that has the answers to all my questions about where my magic comes from and how I can control it."

"I would never kill anyone over them. I would hope they'd never ask me to betray my loved ones. And if they did, I would at least think twice before turning them down. If I had a sister who had me kill my family, my mother, Gaius, Arthur, I wouldn't have a sister. I refuse to have a family that will abdicate the death and murder of those I care about, let alone that of a whole kingdom. I don't think even you would want that on your conscious."

Morgana swallowed harshly, as much as she hated her decision she knew he had a point. "How can we stop her."

The secret warlock held the ring tightly in his grasp he had been mutter spells in his mind trying to break the spell on the ring instinctively. He could feel his magic and the rings fighting one another, but somehow he wasn't strong enough to destroy it.

Merlin smiled softly, holding her mother's ring between his fingers. Not only is she cutting ties with Morgause, but she is also going to lose something that belonged to her deceased mother, "We have to destroy the anchor."

Morgana whimpered reaching out to take it back before pausing and nodding. "How- How do we do that?"


All the years she lived in Camelot, Morgana would have never imagined she would be headed to the caves. She had heard rumors that Uther had captured and enslaved a dragon during the Great Purge, but she had never actually thought he kept it as an example. In all matters, she probably should have, but even then she wouldn't have pictured him keeping the beast locked under the castle.

"Why do I get the feeling that this isn't your first time heading down these tunnels?"

Merlin paused his step before turning to her. "Gaius told me about him… I got curious. He is a magical being with endless wisdom, I thought. Well I don't know. I felt drawn to him. He has helped me before…"

Morgana raised a brow at the word 'he' and not 'it', but decided to ignore it in favor of asking how exactly Merlin got an oversized fire breathing lizard to help him.

"I just asked…" Merlin said shrugging off her disbelief, "he helped me save Arthur multiple times and well he helped me figure out how to find the druids… Morgana, while he has helped me… well he isn't a being to be trusted not entirely. He. Kilgharrah is very irritating. He speaks in constant riddles and I don't think he actually cares if Camelot survives. He… He despises Uther for what he did to him. He also asks me for favors… a favor. I've never granted it, but-"

The king's ward doesn't bother acting surprised that a magical being despises its captor. She understands what it feels like being chained and thrown in a dungeon by Uther Pendragon. She can imagine what type of favor it asks. Does it want Uther dead too? Is that the favor? She thinks back to the armory tunnel that she and Merlin hid Uther in before heading down to the tunnels. Morgause would say it was another missed opportunity. Her sister wouldn't be entirely wrong on that front.

"But?" she probes him to continue.

Merlin stays quiet.

"What does it-he ask? Merlin if you don't trust him, entirely do you really think its a good idea to get his help?"

Merlin looked at her with regret, "We don't have a choice."

"Is that why you still have that sword?" Morgana asks motioning to the Knight of Medhir's sword she swiped earlier.

The servant gave her a a quick look before the two continued down the way. Merlin reached out to stop her before reaching the exit. "He's round this corner. You might want to stay behind me… I forgot to mention he doesn't exactly like you."

"Wha-" Morgana, started about to ask why and how it even knew about her when Merlin rounded the corner.

"Don't pretend. I know you're listening to me."

Morgana hears Merlin yell out. She takes a peak round the corner noticing the beast laying down sleeping. She could make out its breathing, surprised she didn't pick up on it sooner. She watches as the creature opens his eyes and lets out a yawn rising softly onto its legs.

"I don't need to listen to you, Merlin. You always say the same thing. Help me! And yet you refuse to give anything in return. Now you will face the consequence of that decision. Camelot's end is nigh, and there is nothing you can do about it."

"I know. I know what you want and if you do this for me, I promise to release you."

The beast roars causing morgana to step back slightly. Only for her to recognize that the beast wasn't roaring in anger but laughter.

"I no longer trust your promises."

"I know that too. That is why I brought this." Merlin says drawing the dragon's attention to the blade in his hands. "You know what this is. You know what it can do."

Morgana's eyes narrow. She knew the sword was magic, but was it able to kill the dragon? Also was it actually wise for Merlin to threaten the beast?

"Where did you get that?" The dragon roared in surprise it's wings flapping as it lowered its neck to get a closer look.

"It's a blade forged by the Old Religion. If I use this I will be able to break the chains keeping you prisoner. You will finally get your wish. You will be free."

Morgana gasped. He wouldn't? Would he. We don't have a choice. She recalled him saying, but Merlin couldn't have meant this. How could he berate her for helping Morgause, when he must know that releasing a dragon would lead to the same if not similar terrifying results.

"I will only set you free, once you destroy this." Merlin took out the ring and laid it on the ground before taking a few steps back. "It's the anchor Morgause has been using to keep everyone asleep."

Kilgharrah took a closer look at the ring. He could feel the power radiating off it. It was strong magic, but even then he knew that the anchor must be drawing power from another source. A vessel to keep it running.

"That's not entirely true. Is it?" He asked before turning towards the entrance and letting out a growl. "Come out witch!"

Merlin's eyes narrowed before moving in front of the entrance to stop him from seeing Morgana. "Don't call her that!"

Morgana moves slightly out peering over Merlin's shoulder.

"How dare you bring her down here. I have warned you about her in the past, but you have failed to take heed. She is dangerous! Yet, even now, after she has chosen to turn her back on her own; you stand by her side."

"I trust her. She regrets helping Morgause. She wants to stop this as much as I do."

The dragon laughs again.

"Does she?"

Morgana glares past Merlin trying to make her way forward only for Merlin to block her again.

"I never meant for this! I still care about Morgause, but this isn't right! Please help us."

Kilgharra looks at her intently, "Forgive me, if I don't believe you, witch."

"Whether you believe her or not, its the truth. Now destroy the anchor or you will never be freed."

The dragon did something then, something even more terrifying than laugh. It smiled at her, "Step aside then Merlin. You needn't ask twice. I will more than gladly grant you that."

Merlin squinted his eyes slowly coming to the realization Kilgharra was leading him to.

"No. She is not the anchor. The ring is. The ring is what is making everyone go to sleep. It's-"

"It's only part of it." Kilgharra spoke authoritatively before breathing fire onto the ring shocking the two sorcerers and causing the witch to gasp out in pain. "The spell in the ring while woven with powerful magic, also makes a connection with its wearer. The longer she held it in her grasp the more the two entwined. While destroying the ring has ceased the sleeping spell cast on Camelot and the connection between the witch and the ring… severing the connection leaves a painful mark in its wake. It's temporary, however and while her pain brings me pleasure, it will not stop her sister from destroying Camelot. Only one thing will and I think we both know what that is. So I repeat. If you want to save Camelot and save your destiny, you will step aside and let me deal with the Darkness once and for all."


In the tunnels the king groaned as he rose slowly out of the cart. His feet a bit unsteady and his mind confused as to how he ended up surrounded by darkness. It took him a minute to recognize the secret passage way out of the city.

Meanwhile Arthur had been running circles round the knights… or so he thought as they slowly led him down corridor after corridor towards their master. Once Arthur was trapped at a dead end with Morgause he had just about given up hope. His only solace being that his friends and father might have escaped to fight another day.

Morgause raises her hand and the knights stand aside. She prepares her stance and Arthur follows suit understanding the chance she's giving him. She's trying to give him an honorable death. Another chance at seeing who truly is the best swordsperson.


"Merlin, what does it mean?"

Merlin sighed turning to face her, "Even with the sleeping spell breaking, the knights of Medhir will still destroy everything in their path. They are immortal and no matter how many men Camelot has we will fail. Morgause is still a threat as she is the only one who can stop the knights, but she would never do that. Not unless she had reason to…" the warlock trailed of looking at her mournfully.

Morgana took a minute before understanding, "She would stop for me."

The servant nodded, "Only if you were in harms way."

"I don't want to die." Morgana paused turning to the dragon, "I am not evil. I know I have done evil things, but I am not evil. I don't want to die. I never wanted anyone to die. I just wanted to be free, to no longer feel like a criminal."

Kilgharra stayed silent, motioning for Merlin to make his decision.

"She doesn't have to die. There must be something you can do."

Kilgharra looks towards Merlin's medicine bag, "If that is true than why do you have a bottle of hemlock in your satchel."

Morgana's eye widened turning to look in the bag. "Is that true?"

Merlin frowned bringing the bottle out showing it to her. "I didn't know what to do. If you would turn your back on Morgause after all."

The sorceress extended her hand out. Merlin shook his head only for Morgana to snatch it from his grasp. She didn't want to die, but she had to make amends. "Is there an antidote?"

Merlin shook his head, "I don't know. I couldn't find one in Gaius' chambers, but Morgause could use her magic to save you."

Morgana shook her head. She doubted her sister would save her without asking something from her. She was done doing favors for other people.

"I don't want her to save me."

Merlin nodded before looking to Kilgharrah, "Save her. You can heal her, can't you?"

The great dragon looked at the two humans and knew where this would lead. "She is truthful, but even then she will be your doom. I cannot allow that. Your destiny is too important, Merlin."

Thinking quickly Merlin took that bottle from Morgana and uncorked it holding it to his lips. "Then perhaps you will change your mind if its both of us."

"Merlin don't you dare!" Morgana yelled reaching for the bottle. The dragon roaring and flapping his wings in dissent.

"I am the only person who can set you free, it would be a pity if I died before I could release you." Merlin brought the bottle to his lips turning to Morgana, "I trust you." he brought the potion up in toast before tilting his head back and feeling the potion slither down his throat. He made sure to leave enough for her, before he started choking up. Morgana moved to take hold of him slowly falling to her knees and pulling him to her chest.


Arthur was holding off Morgause well. Each one parrying the other's blows.

"You've improved. You know it doesn't have to be this way. Surrender and I'll let you live. My battle isn't with you."

Arthur glared bring his sword up to strike near her head. Morgause stepped back while bringing her sword up from below her to block him swiftly.

"Perhaps, but my battle is with you. You have put Camelot in harm's way time and time again." Block. "You lied to me about my mother." Arthur tried to strike only for Morgause to block again.

Morgause pauses, "I never lied about that. Although I am not surprised if your father denied it. He has been lying to you for years, Arthur."

"No." Arthur swung at her, "I almost killed him, but I saw the truth. You want my father dead."

"I still do." Block.

"But you wanted me to kill him and do your dirty work for you." Arthur feigned left before swinging right barely gracing the witches cheek.

Morgause wiped her face in surprise, "I was giving you the right to avenge your mother." Morgause quickly moved to the offensive sending blow after blow, Arthur barely quick enough to block each offense.

"Don't talk about my mother. Enough lies." Arthur moved to get the upper hand only for Morgause to hit the sword out of his hands.

"You should have surrendered when you had the chance." Morgause said holding her sword at eye level.

"LEAVE MY SON ALONE!"

Morgause turned to look at the king who appeared dressed in armor, sword and shield in hand.

"Father!"

"Well if it isn't the very man we've been discussing. I'll give you the opportunity to tell your son the truth before I take his life."

"Leave him, Morgause."

Morgause raised her head in defiance swinging towards Arthur and mirroring the mark she was given on her cheek.

"That was a warning shot. Admit the truth to your son and I might let him go."

"What truth!"

"That it was you who used magic to killed Ygraine. That it was because of your own bigotry and hypocrisy that you lost your wife and then had the audacity to blame and persecute an entire community."

Uther stayed silent. Moving closer towards the witch.

"No. No. take a step closer and it will be the last time you ever see your son."

Uther paused turning to Arthur and hoping for once his son could listen to him. He could see Arthur's sword lying by his feet. He also knew his son was capable of kicking his sword up into his dominant hand. Arthur had bragged about it non stop when he first learned the move at fourteen. All he had to do was distract the witch and get her to point her weapon at him.

"He's innocent in this. Let him go and I'll take his place."

Morgause paused. She was tempted, especially to finally put an end to Uther Pendragon once and for all. Yet, she also knew that if she killed Uther before he admitted the truth Arthur would be out for blood and and they'd end up here all over again.

"An intriguing proposition. Admit the truth and I might just consider it."

"Father don't."

"Quiet Arthur."

Uther moved closer letting his sword arm fall and leaving him open to any blow the witch might throw at him.

"Go on. Admit your lies. Speak the truth for once."

"Arthur. She speaks the truth. Your mother and I wanted a child-"

"No." Arthur spoke shaking his head.

"Listen to your father." Morgause smirked turning towards Uther and commanding him to continue, "Go on."

"Your mother and I went to Nimue." Uther paused as Morgause took a step closer in his direction. "We wanted her to use magic, but you have to believe me that I never wanted her to die." Uther shifted his gaze down to Arthurs sword before looking back into his eyes. "Nimue lied to us. She told us that she had mastered the powers over life and death-" Arthur takes the sword silently into his hands his gaze still on his father's words caught between using it to strike at Morgause or wait and let her finish him off. "-but she never told us she would sacrifice Ygraine for your life. She said everything would be taken care of."

"You knew there was a chance!" Morgause yelled moving to strike.

"I would have never gone through with it if I did. I loved your mother, son. You know I did. She would be so proud of you and I know that she would have given her life willingly if she knew the truth, but I wouldn't have let her sacrifice herself to give me an heir."

"But you were willing to kill a random person for your own gain. Willing to sacrifice a human life."

Uther stayed silent he knew he didn't have to answer that. He looked down as he watched Morgause's feet walk closer to him. He trusted his son.

Morgause took another step. Arthur wouldn't let him down. Uther thought raising his head up and watching the glint of Arthur's sword through the corner of his eye. He must have given his and Arthur's plan away by then, but it was to late as Arthur struck Morgause on the side.

Morgause looks down in shock before feeling a sharp pain in her hear and the sound of Morgana crying out in pain. The sleeping spell was broken.

"You will regret this." Morgause said threateningly before her eyes flashed gold and she disappeared in a flash of smoke.

Arthur looked at his father, unable to bring anything to words. Luckily they could hold off that conversation for another time, as when Morgause left the spell holding the knights of Medhir vanished and they were now closing in on them. Both men nodded at the other in understanding, before raising their weapons.


Morgana looks down at Merlin struggling for breath. She can feel her eyes tearing up. She wipes them away quickly before bringing the poison to her lips and turning to the dragon.

She took the remainder of the liquid feeling her throat close up in pain. She can't help but whimper out and pull Merlin closer to her.

She closes her eyes before she hears a whirl of wind.

"Sister!"

"Ee- end the spell on the knigh-"Morgana utters out her words loosing strength near the end. "Please. End it. Then leave." She just manages to stutter her final commands as her eyes start to close.

"No. No!" Morgause yells out causing the cavern to shake. "Sister come back."

The dragon lets out a growl drawing the blonde's attention. "Hello Priestess."

Morgause looks at the beast holding her sister's hand.

"End the spell on Camelot and honor your sister words to leave Camelot and I will heal her."

The witch nods, "Why would you save her?"

"Lets just say she is a means to an end. She will be healed and unharmed."

Morgause nods her eyes flashing their amber hue. She looks down at her sister placing a kiss on her forehead and saying a goodbye before disappearing out of Camelot.

Kilgharrah looks at the witch and Warlock dying in each other's arms and hesitantly breaths a gold healing mist on them.

The great dragon waits and watches as the witch comes to first, probably due to her taking the poison after the warlock.

She grabs Merlin's hand and put her ear to his chest feeling his chest rise and fall. His heart growing stronger and steadier with each beat.

"Thank you for healing us."

The dragon looks at the sword a few steps away and Morgana rises to get it.

"What do I have to do?"

Kilgharrah motions towards his chains, "Channel your power to the blade in your hand then cut the chains."


Merlin had just let himself fall onto Gaius' work bench the physician having left to go tend to the kings wounds and following that up by checking in on the people from the lower town.

Knock!

The door slides open pausing as a head peers through. The dark haired ward smiled as she entered.

"Hello." She spoke softly, "I wanted to check in and see how you were doing. I think Arthur believed us, but I think his mind is on other things. He wouldn't tell me what happened between him and Uther, but the two seem to be avoiding the other."

Merlin sits up, "I'm not really worried about Arthur and Uther's problems right now."

Morgana nods, "I'm sorry for releasing the dragon. For everything. I was so scared Merlin and I know that it will take a while to regain your trust, but I-"

"You have my trust, Morgana."

"Merlin… I almost got everyone killed for my own selfish desires."

"It's not selfish. Well it was a bit, but you came round in the end. And as for Kilgharra, he was going to be freed one way or another."

"I'll make sure Uther knows it was me. I won't let you take the fall for that."

Merlin smiles, "Maybe we just don't say anything… Or I suppose we could always blame Morgause…"

Morgana laughs weakly. It was still bittersweet knowing that she might not see her sister for awhile. She felt worse when she thinks about telling Morgause how she betrayed her.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." Merlin said reaching for her hand hesitantly.

"It's alright. It might be for the best. I just think. Well. She's my sister. I don't like being on opposite sides. I'm also scared. What if I can never come back from this. If Uther finds out that I have magic, and that Morgause is my sister… that I had something to do with this last attack. My magic is still dangerous Merlin. I don't know how to control it."

"I will protect you. You can always come to me. Also, I know maybe my words might not count for much, but-"

"They count." Morgana squeezes his hand.

"Well then. You did the right thing, Morgana. Just by choosing Camelot, you are choosing to use your gift for good. Everyone owes you their lives. We all would not be here now if it weren't for you. You chose us. And I choose to be your friend and help you not feel so alone."