In this version of the story, the events that happened during the Crystal Cave chapter are slightly different. In the original version, Merlin overhears the conversation between Gaius and Uther, and learns that Morgana is Uther's daughter. In this version, Merlin never heard that conversation, and Gaius didn't tell Merlin about it, so Morgana and Gaius know about it, but not Merlin.
Finding Merlin
About a hundred meters after crossing the gates of the north exit of the city, Arturo abandoned the patrol. He waited for the patrol to move away a little, to take off his armor, to be left with only his usual outfit of pants, shirt and a jacket. He then he turned west
Merlin had left Camelot on foot a little over an hour ago, if he was lucky thanks to his horse he would be able to catch up with him soon.
Arthur decided to start his search from the west gate, in case he could find Merlin's trail. He had been following the path for about half an hour when he could see a fresh trail heading in the direction of the lake.
Arthur decided to continue on horseback slowly, but steadily... he didn't want to go too fast and miss a clue, or scare Merlin with the noise of his horse.
When he was close to reaching the lake, Arthur decided to leave his horse and his sword, and continue on foot. He didn't want to scare Merlin. He knew that Merlin was very shaken by everything that had happened and that he would possibly be on the defensive, perhaps thinking that Uther or his knights might come for him.
Luckily for Arthur, Merlin was very bad at covering his tracks, and possibly in his current emotional state he had forgotten to cover his tracks. Thanks to this it was not difficult to find him sitting by the shore of the lake, playing absentmindedly with a couple of stones.
Arthur approached slowly, but not as stealthily as when he was hunting... In case Merlin saw him approaching, he didn't want him to think that he was trying to ambush him.
Apparently Merlin was very focused on his thoughts, because he never gave any signs of hearing Arthur approach, even when Arthur sat next to him he didn't seem to notice either.
Arthur looked carefully and silently at Merlin... His eyes were red and swollen, and a couple of tears still ran down his cheeks, plus his clothes looked a bit dirty and torn compared to how he was this morning, apparently Merlin had stumbled a couple of times on his way to the lake
- Merlin? Arthur asked. When there was no answer he asked again, but this time placing his hand on Merlin's right shoulder - Merlin?
Merlin apparently didn't hear him again, but he did feel his hand on his shoulder. Merlin instantly jumped up, standing up and taking a stance ready to defend himself.
- Merlin, it's me... Calm down
But Merlin was apparently still very scared and didn't seem to recognize Arthur.
- Merlin! It's me Arthur... - Arthur repeated, trying to reason with Merlin.
- Arthur...? - Merlin replied confused - What are you doing here?... No, I shouldn't be here... I... I should go... - Merlin continued, taking his backpack and trying to run away from Arthur
- Merlin, please... Don't run away... - Arthur replied calmly. He wasn't really calm in the least, but he knew the only way to not scare Merlin any more was to stay calm - just sit down so we can talk.
- No! No... I... you don't understand... I... I can't... I - Merlin tried to say, but the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts did not allow him to form coherent sentences.
- Merlin... Look at me - Arthur said, trying to get Merlin's attention - I didn't come looking for you as a Knight of Camelot... There are no swords, there are no guards and I sent the patrols away... - he said with a calm voice but firm, noticing that Merlin was paying attention, he continued - I came simply as Arthur, looking for my friend... my brother
With this last sentence Merlin collapsed, fell to his knees on the ground and began to cry again.
Arthur wasn't quite sure what to do, but he couldn't resist seeing Merlin in that state. He gently walked over and crouched down in front of Merlin to give him a tight hug.
Merlin, feeling Arturo's hug, could not contain himself anymore and began to cry even more eagerly.
- Everything will be fine Merlin... You'll see - Arthur said, trying to calm Merlin - Everything will be fine...
A few minutes later Merlin was still crying, but he had calmed down enough to let go of Arthur's arms and sit across from him.
- Is it true then? - Merlin asked quietly.
- Yes, Gaius confirmed it...
- Oh... - Merlin replied, very hurt by Gaius's betrayal.
- He swore to my... Our mother, that he would never reveal the secret... He didn't even know about the existence of the letter or the pendant
- He had no right to hide something like that from us - Merlin said, remembering the argument with Gaius when he told him about Balinor... That didn't make sense, how could Balinor be his father? - No, it doesn't make sense...None of this makes sense! - he added, running his hands through his hair.
- Merlin, how did you know that the letter referred to you?
- I... I have the other half of the amulet - Merlin said, pulling the item out of his right jacket pocket. In this case the amulet hung from a thin brown cord - my mother... Hunith... She gave it to me when I was very little, she said it was "a gift so that I would always remember my mother, so that she would always be with me." - Merlin said between tears - I used it for years... When I got to Camelot I stopped using it, I didn't want it to fall off while cleaning the stables or while we were hunting, so I decided to keep it in my room...
- And you recognized it immediately when you saw it this morning
- Yes... And upon hearing the letter...
- Merlin, Gaius told me the reason why our mother decided to keep you hidden... I know about your magic
Merlin, very emotionally drained, had no strength to react to Arthur's words, he just stared at him.
- it's okay... I promise, I will never say anything to our father, and I will protect you and your secret until I am king and can change the law - when Arthur saw that Merlin still did not react he added - Looking back, It makes a lot of sense that you have magic, and knowing you I know that you have saved me more than once with it... Thank you
- You're not angry? Aren't you... afraid of me? - Merlin asked. For a long time, one of the reasons he hadn't told Arthur about his magic was the fear that Arthur might think differently about him, believe he was evil, hate him or even be afraid of him.
- Don't be ridiculous Merlin, if there is someone who is NOT evil in this world it is you... You cry every time we go hunting... - Arthur said in a playful tone, trying to raise Merlin's spirits
- That's not true..
- Of course it is... Well if you and magic are related, that's just proof that what my father has been saying all these years is a lie, not all sorcerer are evil - Arthur replied with a smile - And no , I'm not mad that you didn't tell me...a little hurt, but I know you had your reasons
- But not all the things I've done with magic have been... Good... I've made many mistakes and...
- They have been mistakes Merlin, and I know you still regret them... Again, show clearly that you are not evil...
- Thank you - Merlin said, with a shy smile.
They were silent for a couple of minutes, until Merlin decided to speak again.
- Do you remember Balinor, the Dragonlord we went to look for?
- Yes, why?
- That day before leaving, Gaius told me that Balinor was my father... - Merlin said - and when we returned he explained to me that the power of the Dragonlord is passed from father to son, at the moment of death... That's how I was able to stop the Dragon... But that doesn't make sense, how can he be my father?
- Are you a Dragonlord...? did you stop the Great Dragon? - Arthur asked, understanding what Merlin was saying.
- Yes...
- I don't know Merlin... I think we'll have to wait to talk to Gaius and Hunith to get all the answers
- My mother? .. I mean Hunith... will she come to Camelot? Merlin asked.
- Merlin, she raised you and loved you like a mother... If you still feel comfortable calling her that, do it...
- I... I'm not sure how I feel yet... I can't believe they kept something like this from me...
- They had good intentions... And great reasons to do so, they just wanted to protect you
- I know! But I'm not a child anymore... I have magic, I know how to protect myself
- Perhaps they didn't want to cause you this storm of feelings that you are feeling right now... And it would have stayed that way if I hadn't stolen things from.the.vaults - Arthur said, feeling a little guilty for the difficult moment Merlin was going through.
- It's not your fault Arthur...
- Nor yours... - Arthur said - We won't know the whole truth until we talk to Gaius and Hunith. I sent Leon to look for her
- Did you tell Leon?
- Of course not, and he went without his armor so as not to arouse suspicion - Arturo said - I left the city with a patrol to do the same, so we'll have to wait for them
to come back so we can go back to Camelot with them ... We'll have a couple of days to relax and think about what we're going to do.
- Go back to Camelot? No! I can't go back...
- What are you talking about Merlin, of course you have to go back... It's your home... In fact it's your kingdom
- Sure... A kingdom where my own father wants to kill me - Merlin replied, crying again - and if he finds out that you and Gaius knew about me... No! I can't go back...
- Merlin... I know that it can't be easy for you known that our father to think of you that way... It's not easy for me, and I imagine it must be horrible for you... - Arthur said, on the verge of tears thinking how Merlin must feel - but believe me, Uther will NEVER find out that you are his son or that you have magic... And if he did find out, I would kill him myself to protect you
- No, Arthur...
- Yes Merlin... You stopped me once... And I won't kill him for no reason... But if he makes the slightest attempt to hurt you, I won't hesitate... I won't give him another chance
Merlin didn't want to answer... He didn't want Arthur to have to kill his own father to defend him.
- Besides, I will not let you go... You are my brother... Camelot is your home, and you deserve to live in it... Calmly and without fear... - said Arthur - I promise you that as soon as I am King, we will work together to change the law
- Thank you...
- Well, now that this is decided... What will we do next?
- What are you talking about?
- Well, if it weren't for the fact that your life is in danger if someone finds out that you are a Prince of Camelot...
- I'm not a prince..
- Sure... In fact, we'll have to ask Gaius who's older...
- - No! No... Regardless of that, you must be King, not me.
- Obviously, if you're a lousy servant... Imagine what you'd be like as King.
- Hey!
- As I was saying... In a normal case, we should present you in front of the court and the people, have a coronation for being of age... You should have your own chambers, a servant... Change your wardrobe... You would have have to train with the knights and we should divide the royal duties...
- I don't want to train with the knights
- For the good of the kingdom maybe it's better that that doesn't happen... - Arthur said, making fun of Merlin - well, none of that we can do while Uther (out of respect for Merlin he wouldn't call him father in front of him anymore) continues in the throne...
- Hmm...
- In order not to raise suspicions, the best thing would be to continue as if nothing had happened... you would have to continue as my servant...
- I'm not going to clean your stables again!
- Haha it's fine... But you must continue being my servant, at least in front of the rest of the world
- Okay... I'll continue to be your servant... But with conditions - Merlin answered, already in a better mood
- Oh yes? And what would those conditions be?
- I'll do what chores I can with magic
- Merlin, if anyone sees you...
- That's why I said as many as I can... and I'm not going to clean the stables
- You already mentioned that Merlin
- It's just to be clear... And I don't want to be your practice dummy again during training
- What do you think if we change the training routine little by little... Little by little you stop helping me practice and concentrate on organizing and cleaning the weapons... But it will have to be little by little so that they don't suspect
- Okay... I can accept that
- Excellent... Are you sure you don't mind being my servant?
- Of course not... As long as you treat me with respect
- I promise to do it whenever we're alone... - Arthur answered, seeing Merlin's face he added - we can't take risks with the others
They were silent for a few minutes again, Merlin absently playing with the rocks at his feet and Arthur looking at Merlin.
- Aren't you disappointed? Merlin asked.
- Disappointed about what?
- That among all the people... I am your brother...
- Merlin .. how do I make you understand ... No, I'm not disappointed, in fact I'm very grateful that it's you
- Grateful?
- That's right... Of all those who could have been my brother, he turned out to be my servant... A person with whom I already get along very well and I consider my best friend... A person who knows magic and has used to save me and Camelot maybe how many times... A person who is loyal, brave, clumsy and ridiculous...
- Hey!
- So, yes... I'm grateful that it's you... and not some petulant knight I can't stand or a complete stranger - Arthur finished. Normally he wouldn't be so sentimental, but Merlin really needed all of his support right now.
- Thank you...
- Are you hungry? - Arthur asked. Lunchtime was long past, but he doubted that Merlin had eaten anything.
- I don't know... Not really...
- Wait here, I'll go get my horse, I have some supplies there
Arthur walked back in search of his horse, replaying in his mind all that he had discussed with Merlin. He had managed to convince him to return to Camelot, but he knew that it would be difficult for him and that he would need his help.
Returning to Merlin's side, he sat down next to him again.
- Here, and you eat it all... I know you didn't have breakfast today - Arthur said, passing him some bread and an apple
- How do you know?
- I could hear your stomach growl this morning... Besides, you're so skinny that you'll soon disappear
- That's not true...
- Of course it is... And it's one of the first things we have to solve when we come back... I want you to increase my portions of food, so that we can share it when we're in my room... And I want you to stop skipping meals
- Normally I don't do it .. only when I'm too busy and I don't have time ..
- Make time to eat then
- You no longer have the authority to command me
- Sure I do, I'm the older brother
- We don't know that!
- Sure? - Arthur said, before catching Merlin's head with one arm and starting to smack him on the head.
- Okay! Stop it or I'll cast a spell on you
- You would not dare
- Try me...
- And how will you explain it to the council? -He did not want to name his father, so as not to sadden Merlin again
- Hmm... that's not fair - Merlin replied, pouting.
- See, typical younger brother behavior
- No! - Merlin answered, starting to get frustrated
Arthur couldn't take it anymore and began to laugh heartily.
- I'm sorry... It's just that your face...
- It's not funny! - Merlin said, behaving more and more like a little boy
- Yes, it is... - said Arthur, who was already crying with laughter.
Merlin for his part was getting more and more frustrated, and he felt himself starting to blush.
- It's not funny! - Merlin yelled.
At the moment Merlin's scream began, there was a great current of air, which blew away all the leaves and logs that were on the ground. The wind began to increase, shaking all the trees around them, as well as the calm waters of the lake.
- Merlin... Calm down... sorry, I won't laugh anymore...- Arthur said, trying to calm Merlin, noticing that his brother's eyes were golden.
Merlin looked around him, embarrassedly trying to calm his emotions and his magic. He hadn't had a riot like this in many years.
- I'm sorry...
- It's fine, Merlin, I shouldn't have made fun of you... It's been a difficult day, and your emotions are very raw... I'm sorry
- I... I haven't lost control like this since I was a child... - Merlin said, looking scared.
- Okay... As I said, you've had a difficult day, your emotions are very mixed... It was my fault - Arthur tried to calm him down. This new version of Merlin, so defensive and skittish, scared him a little.
- What if it happens again? What if happen in front of Uther? No... No, I can't go back
- Merlin... - Arthur said, approaching Merlin to take him by the shoulders, forcing him to look at his face - Hey, it won't happen again... You've been doing magic under his nose for years and he's never noticed it, you've never lost control in all this years
- But I just did...
- Merlin, you just found out something very shocking... I'm surprised you can even remember your name... In a few days you will calm your nerves and you will be able to control your magic again without problems
-- But what if I can't do it?
- Take a deep breath Merlin, and calm down... You're starting to hyperventilate - Arthur said, before hugging Merlin again, in an attempt to calm him down.
Just like last time, the hug caused Merlin to start crying again, but this time much more calmly. There were no sobs or anything like that, just tears that fell one after another down Merlin's cheeks to Arthur's shoulder.
Yes, they were twins, and in theory they were the same age... But at this moment Merlin looked much younger than Arthur, perhaps his height made him look older, but his eyes and attitudes were those of a child lost in the woods that does not know where or who his parents are, that does not know who to trust and that is afraid of being burned at the stake
When Merlin calmed down enough, he parted from Arthur.
- Thanks... I'm sorry I wet your shirt.
- Are you better? - he asked worried.
Definitely this vulnerable Merlin scared him a lot. He had always thought of Merlin as someone sensitive who didn't enjoy hunting, but he was very brave, riding at his side to face any challenge. Seeing him so lost and scared was very disconcerting.
- I think so...
- Here - Arthur said, handing him his food again - after eating we should find a place to spend the night... There is a cave nearby
- A cave? We always sleep outdoors
- Yes... But since we have time, I thought we could take the opportunity to talk... I suppose that in these years you will have accumulated many stories of your adventures using magic
- Yes... A few
- Soon it will get dark and the forest will be very quiet, I don't want strangers to hear your stories
Seeing Merlin's uncertain face he added
- I don't need to know about the mistakes you've made... At least if you don't want to share them yet... You can told me anything you want... Funny stories, how you defeated some creature... Anything...
- Okay...
As soon as they finished eating Arthur stood up, took his bag and placed it in his place on the horse. Then he did the same with Merlin's backpack.
- Come on, let's find a quiet place - Arthur said, offering Merlin his hand to help him up.
Arturo knew the area well, so he knew that a little further on there was a cave that would serve as their shelter. It was a cool afternoon, soon it would start to get cold
- Come on Merlin, hurry up or it will be dark before we reach the cave
- I don't see the rush to get there, we can set up camp here in the forest, it wouldn't be the first time
- It's a cool afternoon, but a warm wind is beginning to blow... A storm is coming and I don't want to end up soaking wet. Also, if you get wet you'll probably catch a cold, like every time it rain while we are in the forest.
- Hm... - Merlin grumbled.
- I'm serious Merlin, if you don't want to get wet hurry up
By the time they reached the cave, a light drizzle had begun to fall. Luckily, Merlin had started collecting firewood along the way, so they were able to start a fire as soon as they arrived.
Arthur watched as Merlin lit the fire with magic, but without even saying a spell.
- No spells huh?
- I could have used one... but I don't always need a spell to be able to use my magic - Merlin explained sheepishly, it was still strange to talk about it in front of Arthur - I didn't know about spells until after I got to Camelot
- Where did you learn them?
- With a book that Gaius gave me - Merlin replied, taking his book of spells from his backpack
- Do you understand what it says here? - Arthur asked, pointing to a particular page that had a rather long spell in the language of the ancient religion.
- Not at first... But Gaius taught me a little, and the rest I've learned in other books
- So it was true when you told me that "you had read it in a book"
- Of course it was... Haven't you seen the large number of books that Gaius has? He has forced me to read many of them
Sitting in front of the fire, the brothers fell into a mutual silence, not an awkward one, but one that showed how deep in thought they both were
Merlin was still thinking about everything that happened today... Not only had his mother kept valuable information from him all his life, Gaius had done it too and had blatantly lied to him about Balinor. But not only that, it turns out that he also had a brother, Arthur was his brother... He was a prince of Camelot... And his father was Uther, who would not hesitate to burn him at the stake if he knew of his existence
Arthur was also trying to assimilate everything that had happened today, which had started as an ordinary day. He had discovered that he had a brother, a brother who was born with magic and that his mother did what she could to protect him from Uther... His own father, who would surely send him to the stake if he knew of his existence... He was so angry with him, not only for that, but what Morgause had said was true... He had asked sorcerers for help to obtain an heir, without caring about the consequences and warnings they gave him, and as soon as the consequences came true he decided to kill all sorcerers and those who were related in any way to them or to magic. And Merlin, his servant who over time had become his best friend... The same one he had discovered today was his brother... If he was confused and overwhelmed by everything that happened today, Merlin must be feeling. worse... Not only did he find out the truth, but he discovered that all his life they had lied to his face, his life could have been very different... He could have lived in the palace with him, slept in a comfortable bed, no having been hungry or cold... But after all, not everything had been bad for Merlin, he had had Hunith with him, and she had loved him as her own son, she had hidden the truth from him, it is true, but she has loved him unconditionally...
- Merlin? - Arthur asked. - Are you still mad at Hunith?
- I do not know, why?
- Nothing, I was just thinking... Within all this disaster, you came out the winner in one aspect... You had Hunith by your side... - Facing Merlin's bewildered look, he added - I know she hide the truth from you all these years, but you had her support, affection and unconditional love... More than I can say about Uther... he was always very strict
- Maybe you're right...
- Besides, she did it to protect you... And she swore to our mother... Don't be so hard on her... Gaius told me that as soon as she saw you, she didn't hesitate for a second to want to protect you and be your mother, even if she had to do it alone since she was single
Merlin didn't answer, he just continued to stare absently into the fire
Night soon fell, and even though it was still early, both brothers fell asleep, it had been an emotionally draining day.
A few hours later, Arthur woke up with a start to hear screams from Merlin.
- DlNo! No, please... Anything but that... Nooooo!
- Merlin! Merlin wake up... - Arthur said, shaking Merlin's shoulder in an attempt to wake him up.
- I'm sorry... I'm sorry... please don't...
- Merlin! - Arthur said, this time shaking Merlin harder.
This time Merlin woke up with a start, very scared. He was crying and breathing erratically, looking around him without understanding what was happening
- Merlin, it was a nightmare... Everything is fine...- Arthur said, this time calmly, holding both of Merlin's shoulders - Calm down... Try to take a deep breath...
- Ar.. Arthur? - Merlin asked, with a trembling voice
- Yes, it's me... Your brother, remember? We are in a cave in the forest...
- Brother... - Merlin said almost in a whisper
- Are you okay? -Arthur asked worried - You had a nightmare...
- Ehm... yes, I'm fine - Merlin replied, wiping her tears with the sleeve of his shirt, then settling back down to continue sleeping.
- Sure... - Arthur said when he saw that Merlin had gone back to bed. He clearly didn't want to talk about his nightmare.
The next morning, Arthur woke up to find himself alone in the cave, Merlin nowhere to be seen.
Alarmed, Arthur got up quickly and went to the exit of the cave, where he met Merlin, who was quietly entering.
- Merlin! Don't scare me like that...Where were you?
- What? I just went to the bathroom...
- Oh... I thought you had run away
- All my things are there Arthur - Merlin said, pointing to his backpack
- Oh, that's right... Sorry, after last night... I thought you had changed your mind
- Ehm... no... It was just a nightmare... It's not like it's the first time I've had one - Merlin replied, not very comfortable talking about it.
- Do you want to talk about it? -Arthur was not one of those who used to talk about his feelings or problems, but Merlin was... Maybe it would do him good to talk about it with someone
- Not really...- seeing that Arthur was looking at him carefully, he added - ...Uther saw me perform magic and sent me to the stake...
- Merlin..
- Don't worry, it's not the first time I've dreamed something like that... - Merlin said, trying to play it down.
- That makes it even worse, Merlin... - Arthur answered - nobody should have nightmares like that, especially if he hasn't done anything wrong
- ..When I was little...I was afraid of the fire.. - Merlin said shyly, in a low voice - ..You know, after dreaming the same thing so many times, you think it will come true
Arthur was really angry, he couldn't believe the damage Uther had done... Not only to Merlin, how many children must have similar nightmares, just because they possess magic
- Merlin, I promise I'll do whatever it takes, so you never end up at the stake.
- Thank you... - Merlin said, with a smile.
- It seems that it stopped raining, at least for a while - said Arthur, peeking out of the cave, - there are still a few dark clouds, surely it will rain again soon... The best thing will be to look for some food
- I thought we still had some of the food you brought...
- There's a little bread and cheese left, and a little dried meat... But I guess you didn't remember to bring some food
- ...not...
- Then it's not a bad idea to get some fruit and water before it rains again - Arthur said, shaking his water bottle to see how much water was left
- okay...
After finding a few apples and berries and refilling the water bottles, the brothers sat down again in front of the fire to eat. It had started to rain again, and the warmth of the fire was nice.
They were eating in silence, when Arthur noticed that Merlin was very concentrated looking at the fire, and that suddenly the smoke began to take the shape of a horse.
- It was you! - Arthur shouted, scaring Merlin, who jumped when he heard him - it was you who enchanted the smoke that time... Because of you Uther called the Witch Hunter
- Don't even remind me...
- How did he discover you?
- He didn't... He really tricked everyone to make it look like Gaius and I were guilty
- I imagine you had nothing to do with the toad that came out of his mouth then...
- Um... no?
- Hahaha... How could something like that occur to you?
-The truth, I don't know... I was desperate and tired...
- What other things have happened thanks to you? Don't tell me you had anything to do with my... Uther marrying that Troll.
- Of course not! I spend all my time trying to stop it!
- Really?... That's why she accused you of stealing his necklace
- Yes... She discovered me and caused a landslide that left me trapped all night before the ceremony.
- And that's why you couldn't stop the wedding..
. Since it had been raining all afternoon, Merlin had had time to tell Arthur several stories. He told him about how he helped Lancelot kill the Griffin, the fight with Cornelius Sigan, the truth about his donkey ears, the truth about Will, and how he was able to unmask Valiant, among others. However Merlin had left everything related to Morgana out of it... he still didn't feel ready for Arthur to know that he had poisoned her...
Merlin hadn't thought about Morgana until that moment, and now that he had... it all got even more complicated...
Arthur was lost in thought when he suddenly heard that Merlin was gasping for breath, looking up he saw that Merlin was hyperventilating and had started crying again.
- Merlin? What's going on?
- Morgana... - Merlin answered, not sure what to answer.
- What happens with Morgana? - Arthur asked, starting to worry.
- She is...
- What?
- She has magic..
- What?! What are you talking about Merlin...
-And with the help of Morgause she has been trying to assassinate Uther...and you...
- Merlin! Calm down and explain to me what you're talking about... How long have you known all this?
- About the magic...since a long time ago. Remember when you believed that the Druids had kidnapped Morgana, in reality she sought them out to ask them for help to understand what was happening to her... her powers were just awakening... and I helped her contact them... And I promised her to keep her secret
- Why didn't you help her yourself?
- Gaius said that Morgana should never know about my magic... Now I think I know why he thought that...
- And the rest?
- Do you remember the riders who tried to take Camelot together with Morgause?
-Yes... and Morgana was the only one who didn't fall asleep...- Arthur said, remembering what happened - was she helping her then?
- Yes .. although without knowing it ... Morgause used her as a vessel for the spell, but without telling Morgana
- Oh... You stopped her, didn't you?... that's why you felt so guilty when she disappeared...
- Yes, something like that… The time she spent with Morgause made everything worse… now she really is on her side…
- How do you know that?
- I've been messing up her plans... And in the process I've made her hate me even more and she's tried to kill me too...
- Hate you even more?... But you were friends before...
-Yes, but...- Merlin didn't want to confess this to Arthur, but there was no point in hiding it from him any longer - people tend to hate you after you've tried to poison them...
- What?!
- The only way to end the riders's attack was for Morgause to do it or...-Merlin couldn't finish the sentence, in spite of everything he felt very guilty for what happened
- Or kill Morgana... - Arthur said, understanding why the atmosphere had been so tense between the two of them that day.
- I didn't want to do it... But Camelot was in danger... We were falling asleep... And I didn't know that Morgana wasn't aware of what was happening... I'm sorry, I'm sorry... - he finished to explain Merlin in tears
- Okay Merlin... You had no choice, and you saved us all...
- Except Morgana... My betrayal led her straight into Morgause's arms... And she's only gotten meaner since then
- Perhaps it was the straw that broke the camel's back... But Morgana had been resentful with Uther for a long time...
-And now she is with you too
- And with you as well.. And if she finds out that you're a prince it will be even worse... - Arthur said - it's essential that we keep everything as normal as possible... We must make sure that neither Uther nor Morgana know about this
- Arthur.. maybe will be better if I...
- No Merlin, none of that... Now you better try to sleep, because the patrol will be here very early
- But...
- Could you do what I tell you for once in your life... Go to sleep