Well this wasn't what I was supposed to be working on but my brain needed a distraction and the idea wouldn't leave me alone. However what was meant to be a short, few hundred word one shot is, I fear, turning in to at least a two shot.

Oh well. This isn't that brilliant but hopefully some of you lovely people will like it anyway. At least the plot bunny has stopped attacking me... for now... I think it might just be napping actually...

Disclaimer: If I owned Merlin I have a whole list of things I would have changed

Enjoy :)

"Well this is unexpected." Gwaine muttered "And just when I thought our situation couldn't get any worse."

Arthur just scowled, shifting his swords grip within his hand.

"Now what?" Elyan asked softly, as he moved position slightly to better view the strange tableau they found themselves a part of.

Arthur shook his head, frantically trying to come up with a plan that would not end up with them all killed.

"Why can't we have one hunt where something doesn't go wrong? Just one." He heard Lancelot sigh from his left. He found himself silently agreeing with the sentiment.

When the knights, Merlin and himself had left Camelot earlier that day, they certainly hadn't been anticipating coming across three angry sorcerers out for blood, nor had they imagined that the sorcerers rants for revenge would be cut of mid flow by a huge Dragon landing in the clearing, a dragon that Arthur was fairly sure he was supposed to have killed.

So now here they were, facing three sorcerers across the clearing with the dragon off to one side, an equal distance from both parties.

Arthur knew that he and his knights were at a disadvantage. They needed to get in close for a fight, both the dragon and the sorcerers could kill them from a distance.

"You told me the Great Dragon was dead Merlin." Arthur hissed

"Well how was I supposed to know? I'm not exactly big on Dragon anatomy. Though we probably all should have realised it wasn't dead when its body disappeared."

A low grumbling noise broke the argument, and Arthur realised that the Dragon was trying to suppress a chuckle

"Indeed rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated young Pendragon." It said, its voice low and gravelly as it swung its head slightly to fix a golden eye on him.

"It talks!" Gwaine yelped and Arthur resisted the urge to whack him round the back of the head, as the knight had voiced the surprise he himself felt.

"Yes I talk. I am also not an it. I have a name, Kilgharrah." The Dragon replied, a touch of a reprimand in his voice.

He heard Merlin snort as Gwaine swallowed nervously "Right, sorry."

A gleeful laugh brought Arthurs attention back to the sorcerers as one of them, dressed in a cloak of deep blue stepped forward.

"You're end is upon you Arthur Pendragon. Even the Great Dragon rallies to bring an end to you and your fathers tyrannical reign."

The dragons head swung round, his gaze fixing on the sorcerer who faltered slightly, taking half a step back.

"What is your name?" The dragon, Kilgharrah, asked

"I am Randel" The man drew himself up proudly "And these are my brothers Torain " He gestured to the man in a dark green cloak, "And Gaben " The man on his left, his cloak black.

"Well Randel, What gives you leave to presume you know my mind?"

"What… Well I… I mean…" Arthur almost felt sorry for the man as he stood under the Dragons piercing gaze "Aren't you here to kill him?" Randel gestured vaguely towards him and Arthur scowled, sympathy vanishing. The Dragon however laughed.

"I have no wish to kill the young Pendragon and his companions."

"He doesn't?" Leon muttered

"Apparently not" Percival replied

His knights weren't the only ones who were confused. The confusion was written plainly across the faces of Randel and his brothers.

"But… But you attacked Camelot. You are a magical creature. Surely you want revenge against Uther and his line?"

The Dragon growled "As much as I would like to see the end of Uther, I have no quarrels with his son. I was blinded by the need for revenge upon the one who imprisioned me when I made the decision to attack Camelot."

"And so innocent people died all for revenge upon one person." Merlin said bitterness evident in his voice.

"Merlin" Although Arthur agreed with Merlin's point, he did not think it would be a good idea to rile up a dragon who was currently claiming that it wouldn't eat them.

"Then why did you stop? Uther still lives." Gaben growled

"I was commanded to stop. And when by all rights the man who commanded me should have slain me for what I had done he instead granted me mercy and allowed me to leave. And although I was commanded not to attack Camelot again I would not have done so. That act of mercy reminded me that the time of the Once and Future King is drawing ever closer and that Uther will not be on the throne for much longer. It reminded me that revenge is what started this war and that for as long as that cycle continues it will not end."

"I thought only a Dragonlord could command a dragon." Arthur said with a frown, remembering the desperate journey he and Merlin had undertaken, only for it to have been in vain "And they are all gone."

"It is true young Pendragon, that only a Dragonlord may command me, however it is not true that they are all gone. Like I am the last of my kind he is the last of his."

"And he ordered you not to attack Camelot?" There was a note of disbelief in Gaben's voice.

Kilgharrah looked faintly amused "I believe we have just established that fact."

"But why?" Randel spluttered

"Maybe he just wanted to protect his home, his friends." Merlin piped up from behind Arthur and out of the corner of his eye he saw Lancelot's eyes widen slightly before a contemplative look settled on his face. Arthur filed that reaction away to muse on later.

"Indeed. He has protected Camelot from the shadows against many attacks that, without his interference, would have led to Camelot's end long ago."

Arthur felt at a bit of a loss "So you're saying that Camelot has some secret Sorcerer as a protector?"

The dragon smiled, and it crossed Arthurs mind that it was strange that despite the teeth now on show he was sure it was a friendly gesture… Kind of.

"Not a sorcerer, a Warlock. One born of magic, the most powerful magic user who has or will ever walk the Earth."

"You're talking about Emrys," The previously silent Torain stepped forward, a note of awe in his voice. "You mentioned the Once and Future King earlier. Why would Emrys protect Camelot of all places."

Arthur watched in awe as Kilgharrah stretched, extending his wings in preparation for taking flight

"The Warlock Emrys protects the Once and Future King from the shadows, waiting for the day when Magic will be free once more."

"What do you mean?" Arthur suddenly felt the urge to learn everything possible about this King and his Warlock protector "Who is this king? And why would he be in Camelot."

The dragon jumped in to the air with a laugh "Camelot is the centre from where Albion will begin. Emrys protects the king who is his friend, the other half of his coin. The king of prophecies who destiny says will unite the lands and restore magic to its rightful place. He protects you Arthur Pendragon."

With that the Dragon took off, the sound of his wings fading as those left in the clearing stood there stunned.

"Definitely unexpected." Gwaine broke the silence.

"Me… But…" Arthur felt dazed. Him? The Once and Future King that the Dragon claimed was a figure of prophecies, who would unite the lands of Albion. He swallowed. Surely that was an impossible goal. As much as he would like for there to be peace between the various kingdoms, the chances of that happening were, well… The dragon must have made a mistake. Even if this king existed it wasn't him. He was headstrong and a little arrogant and there were plenty of decisions in his past that he had made wrong.

As for having a magical protector, he was the son of a man who would see magic users dead. Why protect him? And if someone was using magic to protect him well surely he would have noticed some signs. Yes he had had his fair share of lucky escapes, more than his fair share really. And occasionally he thinks that something worked better than it should have, and there was that light… He shook his head. No, no he couldn't be…

His train of thought was cut short as a hand landed on his shoulder and he looked up to see Merlin looking at him, his forehead slightly creased with a worried frown.

"You alright?" He questioned softly. Arthur swallowed and tried to pull himself together. He couldn't freak out here, he would wait until he got back to Camelot and the privacy of his chambers.

"Of course I am Merlin." He knew he didn't fool him, not really, but Merlin just smiled and squeezed his shoulder.

"I always said you would be a great king." he said softly and as Merlin turned away another revelation hit him like a ton of bricks.

"Merlin…" He breathed and the man in question turned back towards him with a quizzical look in his eyes.

"Sire!" Arthur turned at the summons, his head spinning slightly to see the three sorcerers kneeling on the ground not far from him, their heads bowed. Blast! He had forgotten about them.

"They just surrendered Sire." Leon muttered, looking a little unsure "What do we do with them."

"Surrendered?" Arthur frowned, his mind still churning with confusion, denial and a little hurt. He moved to stand in front of the three men, putting on a mask to hide everything he felt. He was the prince, and there were problems to be dealt with. He could sort his thoughts later.

"A short while ago you were out for our blood. Why would you just surrender?"

"Because you are the Once and Future King."

"You believe the Dragon." Arthur was curious

The sorcerer named Torain looked up "Dragons are magical creatures with long lives and inexplicable ties to fate and destiny. Very few of a dragons actions are without motive, even if that motive is not immediately clear.
He declared you as the Once and Future King and so that is what you are. And if Emrys has chosen to protect you then it is just more proof that you are the King of prophecies."

"Why though?" Gaben said suddenly, looking towards his brother "Why would Emrys choose to protect Camelot and the Pendragons? People who would kill him as soon as look at him." Gabens furious eyes turned on Arthur "Why has he decided that you are the King. You who follows willingly in his Fathers footsteps in persecuting people like us."

"Arthur is nothing like his father!" Arthur heard Merlin snap before he even could begin to muster a response. He glanced to his side to see his friend standing tensely, anger written across his face.

"Arthur is his own person with his own thoughts. And though at times he can be an arrogant, self absorbed prat he's also good and noble and he cares about his people. But even if he doesn't have the same blinding prejudice that his father holds don't you think the fact he keeps getting attacked by magic just ensures he turns against it more? Just like Uther attacks magic for the sins of one, magic users attack Camelot and Arthur for the sins of his father and so Uther retaliates further. Like the dragon said, it's a never ending circle of revenge." Merlin was breathing rather heavily as everyone stared at him, before his face started to redden as he realised exactly what he had said.

"Well it's nice to hear you do have some good opinions of me Merlin." Arthur broke the silence, his words causing Merlin to flush a deeper red.

"I still think you're a prat most of the time." He muttered in response.

Arthur just smirked, despite the warmth that had entered his chest at Merlins words, before turning back to the sorcerers.

"What were your plans for Camelot?" he asked, eyeing the three men

"None." Randel was the one to answer, his voice sour. "We were merely passing through this way. When we crossed paths with you we thought we would take the opportunity to try and rid the world of one more Pendragon."

"So you were not originally planning on attacking me and my men?"

"No sire." Torain dipped his head "We were on our way to a druid encampment. I specialise in healing magic and I was hoping they would help me advance my skills."

"Enough of this talk." Gabon spoke bitterly "We all know the outcome of what is happening here. Just get on and kill us already. We will not fight you, even if we wanted to I'm sure Emrys would have stepped in wherever he may be." Arthur couldn't help his glance flicking to Merlin, who was looking at the men with a rather sad and resigned look on his face. Merlin whom he didn't want to think to deeply of at that moment, especially in relation to magic, but whos opinion mattered to Arthur, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

He hesitated for a brief moment then swallowed, his back straightening as he looked down on the three men in front of him.

"The laws of Camelot state that the sentence for anyone practicing magic is death," Out of the corner of his eye he saw Merlin flinch and his resolve hardened. A glance round the rest of his men showed them with blank faces, but he knew them well enough to know they were uncomfortable. Killing enemies in a fight was one thing but straight out execution of a surrendered foe was another. But he was also sure they would accept whatever decision he would make.

He glared at the three men in front of him, who held their eyes on the ground, two of them scowling and one looking resigned.

"For the fact you have magic alone you should be put to death. But on top of that you also chose to attack the crown prince of Camelot and his men, an act of treason that also holds a punishment of execution."

A final glance at Merlin and Arthur made his decision. He let his shoulders slump slightly

"However, your attack was not premeditated, nor did you end up causing any harm to me or my men, you also have chosen to surrender without a fight." Everyone was looking at him now, some in puzzlement and confusion, but it was Merlins gaze that he caught. Merlin who had the beginnings of a smile and pride in his eyes, like he knew exactly what Arthur was going to say. To be fair, Arthur thought, Merlin knew him so well he probably did.

"I have mostly seen the bad side of magic, but I have seen some good sides to and for a long time I have been entertaining the idea that the fight against magic is not as black and white as my father claims."

His eyes moved away from Merlin to gaze sternly at the three sorcerers in front of him, who were all now looking slightly hopeful and vaguely unbelieving.

"As the dragon said, we are in a cycle of revenge that needs to be broken. If Emrys is willing to break that cycle by standing with me rather than against, then I should live up to the hopes and expectations he holds for me."

Arthur took a deep breath. If his father ever found out about what he was about to say then he feared what the outcome would be.

"I'm willing to help break that cycle. If you swear to leave Camelot peacefully, promise never to attack the city or its people then you are free to go."

He offered his hand to the man he stood in front of, Torain, who took it hesitantly and allowed Arthur to pull him to his feet.

"You're really going to let us walk away?" Randel looked slightly incredulous as he scrambled to stand.

"Yes. But heed my warning. You go back on your word and attack Camelot then I will bring the full might of Camelots army down on you. And I'm sure Emrys would not be to pleased either."

Torain suddenly dropped back to one knee, bowing his head "My king. I swear that I will only use my magic to aid others and should you ever need my aid then you will need only ask. My loyalty will remain with you and I shall wait for the day when I can proclaim that loyalty for all of Camelot to hear."

For a moment Arthur was quite taken aback. He had expected a thanks maybe, but not proclamations of loyalty. Automatically he sought Merlins gaze, looking for some form of reassurance. Merlin eyes met his, obvious pride shining in them and a grin plastered across his face.

"I think I'm beginning to understand why Emrys protects you Pendragon." Gabon knelt beside Torain, his brother mimicking his move on Torains other side.

"We will look forward to the time you will become king and magic will be welcome once again." Randel said "In the meantime we will spread the word that the time of The Once and Future King is almost upon us. And as Torain said, should you ever need our aid we will be willing to give it."

"Thank you." Arthur said, feeling rather out of control of events. The three men stood and nodded at him

"I hope we meet again sire, though under better circumstances." Torain smiled

Arthur nodded "please try to avoid Camelots patrols. I will not be able to help if you are caught."

The men nodded, then slipped away, disappearing in to the trees.

The clearing was silent for a few moments before Arthur took a deep breath and turned to face his men, his friends, his eyes searching their faces.

Gwaine moved forward, clapping a hand on to his shoulder in silent support and as he glanced round Arthur relaxed. He knew his men and although Gwaine was being the most obvious in his approval, he could see the others mirrored those thoughts.

"It's getting late. We'll set up camp here for the night and head back to Camelot in the morning."

The response was immediate, everyone falling in to the automatic routine of setting up camp, leaving Arthur to his thoughts.

And now there was nothing to distract his thoughts, he let them dwell on what the dragon had said, and more importantly, the revelation that had hit him like a blow to the stomach. The revelation that if what the dragon said was true, then the only person who he could believe Emrys to be, was Merlin.

So Opinions? Do you want, or think it needs, another chapter? As mentioned it was born of an escaped plot bunny who wouldn't let me work on the fic I'm meant to be working on. Those bunnies had quite a fight actually, didn't know they could be so vicious. There's fur everywhere.

Let me know what you think and if there are any mistakes. :)