"You can't!" Pleaded Gaius, half imploring and half commanding, gazing at Merlin from across the small worktable in the physician's tent. Not even out for a full day yet, it was already cluttered with ground herbs and fragments of parchment.

"Because I've never risked my life for Arthur before?" He tried to make a joke of it, but the words were dry as sand on his tongue, his smile weak.

"It's too dangerous! There must be another way." Gaius's thick eyebrows were drawn down and he leaned heavily on the table.

Merlin shook his head slightly, "I must, Gaius. I'm the only one who has the power to defeat Morgana. You know this is my destiny. You know what I've already done for Arthur, why is this different?"

"A duel with magic has specific rules, Merlin. You must fight for a span of time without your magic! I have endless faith in you and your ability, but you cannot deny that Morgana is a far more skilled than you in the art of marshal combat. You were only narrowly able to defeat her in the tombs the last time you crossed swords with her, and you used magic as well as swordsmanship to do it."

"So, I will use Excalibur. If I weld Arthur's sword, I can stand on even ground with her."

"You don't have Excalibur!" exclaimed Gaius exasperated.

"Yes, I do," Merlin replied, quietly. "When he is not using it, Arthur keeps it in a locked chest under his bed. As his manservant it was simple enough to get it before we left. I thought it would be best to have at hand, just in case."

"You are certainly placing a lot of faith in one blade."

"You know better than I the powers which a sword burnished in a dragon's fire possesses."

Gaius paused, eyes shifting side to side recalculating to account for this new information. Finally, reluctantly, he acquiesced. "It's true, the sword changes things. But how can you be sure Gwen will allow Emrys to fight as Camelot's champion?"

"Gwen isn't prideful or foolish, nor half as stubborn as Arthur. If I handle the situation right, she will see it's the only way," answered Merlin with more confidence than he felt.

Sighing deeply, Gaius walked around the table to put his hand on Merlin's shoulder. Tired old eyes drank in the sight of the tall young man before him and he smiled, sadly. When he spoke, his voice bore the weight of all he had seen. "Sometimes when I see you, I still see the young boy who came bumbling into my rooms. The boy who needed me."

Shaking his head slightly in disbelief Merlin smiled, grasping the old man's upper arms. "I do need you, Gaius. I always have. I don't know how I could get by without you."

Imbuing every ounce of sincerity he had into the words, his entire body brimmed with warmth and affection for his mentor.

Gaius looked at him searchingly, "Perhaps. I like to think so."

It wasn't difficult to guess how conflicted the old man must be feeling. Gaius knew just as well as he did that if he fought, he very well may die. But it was the only way to save Camelot. To save Arthur. "Gaius, I can't do this without you. Please, trust me."

Eventually Gaius nodded, briefly grasping Merlin's face in his hands. "Very well. Tell me, what do you need of me?"

A grin spilled across Merlin's face, eyes lighting up. "You won't like this part."

XxXxX

Standing alone in a private audience before Guinevere, Gaius pondered the best way to propose Merlin's plan without it sounding too much like treason. Which would be tricky, of course, since treason was precisely what it was. Uther would have had his head for such a proposition. And Arthur had been so angry towards magic ever since his father's death, that Gaius couldn't confidently have said he'd have reacted any more favorably.

He began hesitantly, feeling out his words as he spoke. "My lady, it appears we are at a crossroads. We both know that no normal warrior can defeat Morgana. We simply have no way to match her power."

Gwen closed her eyes. "What other option do we have? We cannot withdraw our challenge. Our only hope, is to find a warrior who is skilled enough to be able to defeat her before she can use her power."

Speaking still more slowly, Gaius chose his words with the caution of a doe who'd entered a clearing only to come upon a sleeping wolf. His neck itched and he resisted the urge to rub it. "What if we did have a way to match her power? Perhaps even to overmatch it."

A hint of understanding glimmered in the Queen's eyes. "What do you mean?"

Well, there was no use beating around the bush. "I know of an extremely powerful warlock, who I believe would be willing to help. Morgana fears him as he is predicted to be her doom."

A long silence as Gwen studied him with serious eyes. "You offer dangerous counsel, Gaius."

"These are dangerous times, my Queen."

The conflict within her was understandable to the world-weary physician. Torn between loyalty to the kingdom, to her husband and his ideals, and to her desire to see Arthur and the others safely returned. He understood conflicting loyalties. Gaius believed he knew which one would win, so he waited, silent. Allowing her to draw her own conclusions without attempting to influence her. She was smart. What's more, she knew more intimately than almost anyone what Morgana was capable of, and what it would take to stand against her.

Mouth setting in a hard line, her back straightened with resolve. "Who is this warlock?"

Somehow, he'd hoped she wouldn't ask. Feeling flushed and vaguely nauseous, he cleared his throat, steeling his resolve. "They call him Emrys. He has fought to protect Camelot before; I am sure he will willingly do so again. You may know him by the name… Dragoon."

Gwen's eyebrows furrowed in understanding, "The sorcerer who killed Uther?"

He was prepared for this, and Gaius's response was measured so as to hold no accusation. "Arthur believes so, yes, as Uther believed your father was a sorcerer. Both are examples of passionate men in grief. But the fault for Uther's death lies with Morgana."

The words struck her deeply, and she caught her lip between her teeth. Questions brimmed in her eyes as he held her gaze, unflinching, and he could almost see her filing them away for later. When she did respond it wasn't how he'd anticipated.

"You see much and say little, don't you."

He bowed, hiding a small smile. "My lady."

"My husband is a great man, but more importantly a kind one. And he… is also his father's son. I do not know the truth of your claim, but I know you must believe it to be so. We are left with few options. How would we get word to this… Emrys?"

Gaius raised his chin, one eyebrow arching high to lend his claim an air of solemnity. "I'm sure he already knows of our predicament; he is very wise. It's been said that if you raise a red flag with a white dragon on it in a time of great need, he will come at nightfall."

Gwen looked more doubtful than Gaius believed his tale warranted. "Very well. I am not saying yes to your idea, Gaius, but I am willing to meet with the Warlock and carefully consider it."

"Thank you, your highness."

XxXxX

Gwen is never going to take me seriously.

It was all Merlin could do not to bury his face in his hands as he contemplated the flag which had been posted at the edge of the camp atop a newly erected pavilion. It would not do for the queen of Camelot to openly parade a sorcerer through the camp, after all.

He'd taken a wide circular route, journeying deep enough into the forest to be certain nobody would see him. Once there, concealed in a thick grove of saplings, he'd taken the aging potion to transform him into Dragoon. Struggling into the red robes he'd bundled along in a rucksack Merlin cursed the impracticality of beards, particularly ones long enough to get tangled in foliage. Now, having won his bout with an elderberry bush, he made his way back to camp. His first glimpse of the camp's torches came just as the last of the sunlight finally dipped behind the horizon, plunging the forest into shades of cool blues and deep greens.

Taking a controlled breath, Merlin stepped from the tree line and pushed his way into the unguarded and unassuming tent, the garish red flag with a white dragon whipping above him in a sudden wind.

"Dragoon!" exclaimed both Percival and Gwaine immediately, drawing their swords on sight. Following their lead the other half a dozen guards present quickly followed suit, naked steel glinting in candlelight.

"Yes, it is I!" Merlin proclaimed dramatically, raising his staff into the air, turning a wicked grin on them as he blatantly ignored Gaius's hard look.

"Although I have many names, and so you will now address me as Emrys!"

"I will call you fiend and none else!" Growled Percival, leveling the tip of his sword at Merlin's chest.

"Enough! Each of you will sheathe your swords at once!" commanded Gwen sternly. "This man has been invited here and you will treat him with the curtesy due any honored guest."

Smirking at the knights' sour expressions, Merlin lowered his staff and whirled his robes dramatically in their direction as he spun to Gwen. Approaching, he dropped into as low of a bow as his body's new aches would allow. "Your hospitality honors me, my Queen."

The stare of the two knights bore like hot knives into his back. Unabashed hostility and distrust radiated off them in waves, making it very clear the events of their last encounter when he'd knocked them out and used them as a foot stool were not forgotten. Yet his ears picked up the scrape of blades being returned to sheathes as commanded. The guards flanking Gwen did the same, visibly uneasy.

Brow furrowing Gwen cast a glance at Gaius, "But I know you, you're the sorcerer who was caught placing the charm under my pillow." There was no accusation or anger in her voice, rather confusion. A perfectly logical reaction, he reasoned.

"Ah yes-" Merlin raised one gnarled finger, "and if I hadn't been caught, you would be dead right now. It was Morgana who framed you with the first, but I who saved you with a second!"

Gwen considered this statement doubtfully, "You don't expect me to believe that was your intention, to save my life?"

With a cryptic smile he waved one hand, twirling his fingers in what he fancied was a suitably mystical way. "I had my own reasons for wanting you alive."

"I don't suppose you would tell me those reasons?" said Gwen, more a statement than an actual question.

"No, I don't suppose I will." He snapped, before adding hurriedly, "My Lady."

He may have been imagining things, but Merlin thought he caught the barest shiver of a repressed smile on Gwen's lips.

"Show the Queen more respect, you doddery old man!" barked Gwaine from behind Merlin's back.

Whirling he drew himself up to his full height, ready to spar with the knight whose hand had returned to rest on his hilt. Before he could snap a retort Gaius cleared his throat pointedly, and Merlin hesitated. Weighing the moment, he begrudgingly stayed silent. Gaius was right, of course, now was a delicate moment and antagonizing the Knights wouldn't help his cause.

So, instead, Merlin staunchly resolved to ignore Gwaine. Pursing his lips he turned up his nose at the knight and deliberately turned his back on him once more, showing how supremely unconcerned he was by the knight's threat.

Gwen moved forward, standing barely a pace from him. The air crackled, quivering with barely suppressed violence as every guard in the room leapt into high alert, ready to defend their Queen. Merlin held perfectly still, aware of every breath. Gwen's large brown eyes were intense as they searched his.

"Tell me… Emrys. Why are you here? Camelot has been no friend to your people."

Cold sweat broke out on his palms as he fought the urge to look away, irrationally afraid she would recognize him. "Morgana's magic is powerful, and her purpose is… perverse. Magic is, at its core, a force of creation, and she does nothing but perpetuate a cycle of destruction and death. I mean to destroy the shadow which has loomed over Camelot, choking its growth like a sapling strangled in darkness. I am here to bring an end to the Morgana Pendragon. And I am here to try to bring an end to the legacy of hatred between our people."

It was perhaps not the entire truth, but each word burned with the fire of true conviction. Fervor rang in every syllable, lending a force far beyond the frail body he currently inhabited to his declaration. He paused, giving it a moment to sink in. "If you would allow, I will pledge myself to you and fight as your champion."

Gwen studied the old sorcerer, not swayed by his words. "And why should I allow it? I have no reason to trust you, let alone to put my kingdom's fate into your hands. Arthur would even argue I have reasons not to trust you."

The tone she used clearly indicated to him her meaning, and he suddenly became grateful that his involvement in the death of Uther Pendragon wasn't more widely known. Of course, Arthur would have told Gwen, which would make this more difficult. He kept his answer simple. "I am the only one who can bring your husband and his Knights home alive."

Gwen clasped her hands in front of her, not challenging this claim "And what is it you would ask in return?"

The question had been inevitable, and he'd been unsure how he would answer. Now that the time was here, the words rose within him like clear water flowing from his tongue, eyes heavy with sorrow. He felt as old as stone when at last he spoke. "I know all of you have suffered because of magic, and for that, I am truly sorry. Magic is nothing more than what we make of it. It is neither evil nor good; merely a reflection of the will of one's heart. I said before that magic is raw creation. Each of us acts upon the world around us, and in so doing, we determine what world we create. This is true as much for those who wield power as it is for those who don't. Those choices can be violent and harmful- but they can also be gentle and protective. Magic used in love, for service, for a just cause, has been hidden in the shadows and practiced only behind closed doors for too long!"

Hands tightening around his staff Merlin's volume spiked, suddenly frustrated, "People who would use magic for good are too afraid to do so!"

The heat of the emotions which had surged abandoned him, leaving him cold as old embers. Bone deep weariness curled his spine forward, shoulders drooping as if bearing a great weight. "All we want... is to be free. I know you cannot promise that but grant me a chance to show magic used for those who would defend their home. To wield my power openly for the love of a Kingdom, for my belief in a brighter future, and for my devotion to the King who would lead us into a golden age of peace."

Ringing silence followed his declaration, and the longer it went on, the more his embarrassment built. He felt naked, even disguised as he was, and pulled his staff in close. Unable to hold that piercing gaze any longer Merlin dropped his eyes to the floor, bowing his head, waiting for her answer.

It was a long minute before anyone so much as moved.

Finally, Gwen spoke, "I find I believe the truth of your words. But I must ask, there will be a time before magic is permitted when you must duel with steel. Morgana's blade is swift, and deadly. Are you capable of such a feat?"

"I am. I cannot afford to lose; Morgana must be stopped."

"Then kneel, Emrys. I would have you swear your fealty to this purpose."

Heart leaping with disbelief hastily he knelt, and Gwen accepted a sword offered hilt first from the guard nearest to her. With great ceremony she placed the flat of its blade on his shoulder.

"Do you, Emrys, swear to take to the field on behalf of Camelot. To fight for the life of its King, it's sworn knights, and all the people who would suffer from their loss?"

"I swear."

"Do you pledge your fealty, and if necessary, your life, to this purpose?" asked Gwen solemn.

Dipping his head he nodded slowly, "I believe in the future Arthur Pendragon will bring, it is his destiny to become the greatest King Camelot has ever known. I will kill Morgana, and I will preserve his life, whether I die as well is of no consequence. If that is to be my end, then that is my fate."

To one side, Gaius tensed and experienced a pang of guilt.

"Then I, Guinevere Pendragon, Queen of Camelot, vow to you, Emrys, that I will recognize and honor you as I any loyal knight. And when you are victorious, I will speak with Arthur, and he will never forget that it was magic that saved us all. Rise… sworn Champion of Camelot."

The surprise in the room was tangible, prickling the back of his neck as Merlin leaned heavily on his staff to stand. The suspicion and hostility had slowly faded as he and Gwen had spoken, but in its place, he sensed confusion. The thought that a sorcerer would be willing to die to protect those who would have him executed, didn't make sense to the people who were beloved by those they served.

A faint smile ghosted her lips, and she glanced at Gaius, "He sounds like Merlin, with all his talk of destiny and fate."

Merlin brightened, "Ah yes, Merlin. Good looking boy. I found him quite endearing the few times I met him, though he's never given enough credit for everything he does for all of you. Where is he?"

Gwen glanced at the Knights questioningly, but they only looked at each other and shrugged.

Speaking up, Gaius clasped his hands in front of him, rocking forward on the soles of his shoes. "He is out collecting herbs for me."

"Herbs?" Repeated Percival, doubtfully.

"They are quite rare," assured Gaius, "I suspect they won't be easy to find."

A groan nearly escaped him before he could hold it back. Gaius really only had two lies when Merlin wasn't to be found: either he was out collecting supplies, or he was at the tavern. The man had the best poker face Merlin could have wished for, but it was paired with one of the most limited imaginations he'd encountered.

A thought occurred to Percival, and he narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "How do you know Merlin?"

Realizing his mistake Merlin hurried to correct himself. Raising his eyebrows he did his best to sound casual, "Did I say met?" He shook his head, "Oh no, I only caught a glimpse of him once in Camelot. What I really meant is that I've seen him many times in my-" Merlin searched his brain wildly, "-magic crystal."

"Your… magic… crystal." Repeated Gwaine, dubious, and making no effort to hide it.

"Yes, my magic crystal!" Proclaimed Merlin, grinning mysteriously, "In fact I find all of you quite entertaining, what funny little lives you all have."

Folding his arms sternly Percival glowered, "Why would you be watching us, if not for spy craft?"

Merlin blinked slowly at Percival before rolling his eyes exaggeratedly, as if to say it would be obvious if you weren't an idiot. "I'm an old man living on his own in the middle of a forest, I get bored."

"Well, if you were not a spy, there are plenty of other people you could watch!" insisted Gwaine, but rather halfheartedly. The fire in his aggression towards Dragoon seemed to have been dampened. Gwaine had always been stubborn and evidently still held a grudge for their last humiliating encounter in the forest.

Banging his staff on the ground Merlin roared in outrage "I need not answer to the likes of you!"

As the lot further devolved into bickering Gaius and Gwen shared an exasperated look tinged with amusement, in that moment very much the only adults in the room.