Merlin finished the enchantment on the rope and was just about to tell Alan of the time he stopped Morgana's powers when he heard running footsteps and soon Arthur rushed into the room. He barely glanced at them as he hurried over to Gwen. He caressed her face with one hand and held one of hers with the other. Gwaine entered at a more sedate pace.
Merlin cautiously made his way over to Arthur. "I've checked her over and she's fine. Morgana just knocked her out."
"Why was she still here?" Arthur turned on Merlin. "You were supposed to protect her!"
"I tried but she refused to leave Mordred when he was hurt." Merlin got defensive. "She told me she wasn't a defenseless woman who needed protection."
"To be fair, mate," added Gwaine, "I don't think anyone can persuade your wife to do anything she doesn't want to. She has quite the stubborn streak."
"Plus, from what I've seen and heard, she knows how to handle a sword," Alan tried to help.
"But this was against magic. She had no defense against that."
"That's why Mordred went with Merlin. We thought one magic user in each pair."
Gwaine opened his mouth to comment but Merlin looked at him with pleading eyes and he closed it without saying anything. Merlin knew he would have to explain to his friend once this was over.
Arthur prepared to lift his wife and Merlin moved to help. "No, I have her. I think it better if three of you were with Morgana."
Merlin was a little hurt but knew Arthur was right. He could manage alone whereas the more people with Morgana the better.
"We'll get her to the cells," Alan stated. "Mordred and Gaius are searching for a way to subdue her magic. The ropes are enchanted to hold her in the meantime."
Arthur was quiet for a moment as he thought. Merlin knew this usually meant extra work for him. "There was something that happened the time she took over about two or three years ago." He looked at Merlin. "Remember?"
Merlin nodded. He didn't think Arthur would remember that.
"She was about to use her magic on me and nothing happened. I can still see the look on her face. She had no idea what was going on."
"You remember that?" asked Gwaine.
"My sister was trying to kill me. A person tends to remember things like that."
"So we have to find out what happened," Gwaine commented with a look at Merlin.
"That old sorcerer!" declared Arthur. "He said he was protecting me, Camelot. He could have done it."
"Arthur, I don't think we have time to track him down." Merlin wanted nothing to do with that disgusting potion.
"Alan can take you to that hut where he lives. See if you can talk him into helping." He picked up Gwen who nestled loser to his chest. With a small smile, Arthur took his wife to their room.
"Merlin—"
"Not now, Gwaine, please. I know you have questions but let's deal with Morgana while she's unconscious."
"Right, but you owe me." The knight pointed at him.
"So, how do we get her to the cells from here?" asked Alan. "I don't know how her magic will react if I teleport with her."
"I'm for tossing her from the battlements," said Gwaine. "Quickest way down."
"No matter how gratifying that would be, we can't."
Merlin didn't miss how Alan subconsciously rubbed his chest where Morgana branded him.
They tried to come up with plans that were both feasible and discreet but came up with nothing. There was only one option. "Alan, I think you should teleport her and take the risk."
"Maybe you two should go to the cells ahead of me just in case she has a reaction."
"Good idea. You'll be okay?"
"Should be."
Merlin and Gwaine hurried from the room and to the cells. On the way, Merlin wondered If he had all the ingredients he needed in his quarters. Maybe he could stop and — No, Arthur thinks they have to see Dragoon. Having everything now would make him suspicious.
"Hey! Are you ignoring me?" Gwaine's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I'm already fragile since you didn't tell me about the magic."
Merlin stopped short and It took Gwaine a few seconds to realize and turn back. "Forgive me If your feelings are hurt because I didn't tell you. Keeping this secret means keeping my life!" he declared in a harsh whisper. "I've only told one person."
"I bet it was Lancelot."
"No, he found out like you did. He saw me."
Gwaine looked like he wanted to keep throwing out names but Merlin held out a hand to stop him and the knight hushed quicker than Merlin had ever seen before. Is he afraid of being spelled? Gods, I hope not. I don't want my friend scared of me.
They hurried in silence and once they arrived, Merlin contacted Alan and he was soon there holding Morgana who was mercifully still unconscious. I guess I was stronger than I thought.
Alan set her down gently on the pallet of straw. "Is there any way for you to gauge how much longer she'll be out?" he asked as he stood.
Honestly, I'm surprised she's still unconscious. I can ward the cell so that none of her magic can get past."
"That should work until we get back from visiting the old sorcerer."
They stepped outside and Merlin held his hand out and said the words that would keep Morgana and her magic within the cell until he could do something stronger and longer-lasting.
After tell the guards not to listen to anything she might say, they headed back to Gaius' rooms to see what he and Mordred might have discovered.
Merlin knew what could take her powers away - at least while she was close to it - but he had to keep up the act for Arthur. He also didn't want anyone learning about Dragoon.
The two were bent over books on the table. "Any luck?" Alan asked.
"Nothing to permanently bind her magic but a number that would work temporarily," answered Mordred.
"Due to her strength, however, I don't know how well they would work," Gaius added.
"Arthur brought up that old sorcerer," said Gwaine. "That he might have done something before when Morgana attacked."
"I can take Merlin to some hut in the forest to try and persuade him to help."
"Do you think he will?" asked Mordred. "He doesn't hold a grudge?"
"I don't know about a grudge, but he certainly has the personality of an old man set in his ways. One time when Leon, Percival and I had to find him, he knocked us out and used us like steps to mount one of our horses!"
Merlin smiled at the memory. He had been in a hurry and they were keeping him from finding the Formorah.
"Maybe If he knows that I have magic and we're not arresting him, he might be more accommodating," said Alan. "Let him know he has a chance."
Merlin listened to the debate about his alter-ego and realized there was no way to keep it secret from those gathered. "There's no need to go find him," he said to the room.
"Merlin?" Gaius knew what he was going to say.
"You know where he is?" asked Mordred.
He nodded. "I'm Dragoon."
"You did that to us? I thought we were mates." Gwaine was indignant.
"When Morgana captured me, she planted this creature in my neck that was forcing me to kill Arthur. I had to destroy the mother while the one in me was dormant. You were in my way."
"I am going to need lots of stories," Gwaine responded, somewhat placated.
"Okay, so we don't need to find Dragoon, but Arthur is expecting us to leave. Is there some other location we can go to just pretend?"
Merlin appreciated how Alan kept the conversation on track. He could explain Dragoon later.
"You could check to make sure you have all the in you need," said Gaius.
"Good idea." Merlin used the excuse to check the book in his room to escape the awkward conversation that would be sure to follow. He pried up the floorboard and picked up the book Gaius had given him all those years ago. He then sat on the bed, took a deep cleansing breath and began his search.
Alan looked at the door to Merlin's room after he disappeared behind it. He then looked at the three men with him. They all had different expressions showing their varying knowledge of Merlin's revelation. Obviously, Gaius knew. How could he not? Mordred hadn't known about Dragoon but didn't seem too surprised. Gwaine looked equally upset and amazed.
"I think that since Merlin trusted us with this secret, he also trusts us not to tell a soul outside of this room. We know he's not among Morgana's favorite people. Can you imagine the level of hatred when she learns he's had magic all this time and lied to her?" Nobody answered but they all nodded. They would do anything to protect their friend from the witch's wrath.
Alan then fell into military delegation mode. "Okay. Merlin and I are going to go somewhere to pretend we're going to fetch…"
"Dragoon," Gaius supplied.
"Thanks. We come back here and Dragoon goes before Arthur to find out what's needed of him since he obviously can't know. Then we make it and get it to the cell."
"And what do we do while this is happening?" questioned Gwaine.
Alan was in the midst of delegating when Merlin returned to the room carrying a book. He didn't try to force a smile, but Alan could tell he was feeling better. He picked up a basket with a strap and slipped it over his shoulder so it fell across his body. He then walked over to the table and opened the book to show Gaius the spell. "We have most of the ingredients here already. Could you start preparing what you can?"
Gaius smiled as Alan had just asked the same thing. "Of course."
"I'll help," said Mordred.
"Me, too," said Gwaine, seemingly not wanting to be outdone in the friendship stakes. "What? I can cut, grind and mix as well as anyone."
"Thanks, Gwaine. That would be helpful - unless Alan had something else planned for you."
"Well, I was originally thinking of you running interference with Arthur but I think he'll be busy with Gwen and everything post-battle."
Gwaine grinned, most likely happy because he didn't have to deal with Arthur.
Alan stepped back from the group and Merlin joined him. "I'm okay with going places I've been before, so If you can tell me where, I should remember it."
"The clearing where we trained. It's far enough away that we won't be spotted and there are plants I can gather while we're there."
Alan remembered his training sessions and pictured the clearing. Once it was set in his mind, he reached a hand out and rested it on Merlin's shoulder. "See you in a bit," he told the others before teleporting.
Merlin swayed a little upon arrival but didn't look like he wanted to puke so that was a good thing. "You're getting better at handling that."
"Must be the frequency."
"I think it's worse when you're being taken and not doing it yourself." He looked around the clearing and breathed deep. Being out here would definitely help him relax and recharge. "I know nothing about what plants you need so I'll keep an eye out for stragglers from over here." Alan found a comfy spot and leaned against a tree.
"Oh, so alert," Merlin teased as he began harvesting.
"Lulling them into thinking I'm harmless. Besides, I can move with a thought."
He heard Merlin chuckle and could sense his general position as he moved around. It was his military training that allowed him to relax while still being aware of his surroundings. It didn't replace proper sleep, but it was enough until he could get the real thing.
After about twenty minutes, he heard a rustling of leaves that sounded like something heavy heading their way. He stood quickly and scanned the area. Merlin had heard it as well and stilled.
[Do you have all you need?]
[Yes. I was just gathering extras while we were here.]
[I think we'd better head back. I really don't want to fight right now.]
Merlin nodded and the two soon reappeared in Merlin's room knowing no one else would be there.
Merlin then hurried down the steps and handed Gaius the herbs. Alan followed slowly and watched as Gaius gave him a liquid-filled vial in exchange. Going by the face the sorcerer made, it most likely tasted nasty. He put it to his lips and hesitated.
"Why don't you take it in your room? That way no one can see your face when you take it."
Merlin looked at him like a drowning man looks at a life ring. "Uh, thanks. I think I will." He practically ran from the room.
Alan looked at the others, puzzled by this reaction.
"He's never taken the aging potion in front of anyone other than me," Gaius told them. "I also think that this many people witnessing his magic at once is unnerving."
The door to Merlin's room opened and Alan turned as he heard grumbling in a voice that wasn't Merlin's. At the top of the steps stood a man who looked to be in his 80s with long white hair and a beard that went down to his chest. It was the picture that the future would have of Merlin. All he needed was the pointed hat with stars and moons. He smiled.
"What are you smiling at?" the man - Dragoon - demanded. It really was a different person. Then he saw the sparkling eyes. He was enjoying himself.
"If you act this crotchety with me, I will treat you like the old man you appear to be. I can play the game as well as you."
There was a stare-down and Merlin gave in. "Sorry. I just feel I need to be him when I'm like this."
"You can direct it all towards Arthur."
"Er, can you take me to the council room? There are lots of stairs and this body can't handle that." His admittance to needing help was such a change to when he first appeared.
"So this isn't just a glamour?" asked Mordred. "Your body has truly aged?"
"Yeah. I might be a bit more spry than most would be, but I still have aches and tire quickly."
"To the council chamber then."