Merlin sighed and knocked on the door.

"Come in." It was Gwen's voice. The door opened and she smiled. "Merlin!" then she noticed the worried look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"I need to tell you something," he said, closing the door. "Something I should have told you a long time ago." Gwen patted the bed beside her, and Merlin went and sat down.

"What is it?"

"I was born with… a gift -" he paused. "That's what most people call it. It's what I call it sometimes, but, sometimes I call it a curse." Gwen took his hand. She had no idea what he was getting at. "I think it would be easier to show you." He stood up and Gwen let go of his hand. He held out his hand and looked intently at the candle on the side. That was when Gwen knew. Merlin's eyes flashed and a flame flickered up from the wick. He turned and looked at Gwen with genuine fear in his eyes.

"You have magic," Gwen murmured.

"Not just that," Merlin looked at the floor and felt a tear down his cheek. "I am Emrys, and it was my fault that Uther died." Gwen thought she should be scared. But how could she be? This wasn't a murderer. This was Merlin, her best friend, crying his eyes out. Yes, he had disobeyed the laws of Camelot. But he wasn't a criminal. He didn't deserve to be condemned. He just needed a hug.

"Come here." She opened her arms and hugged him tightly, just as she would if Thomas was upset.

This was how Arthur and Amy found them – Gwen talking to Merlin and rocking him like a child.

"What's going on?" Arthur growled. "And why is this candle alight?" Gwen and Merlin sprang apart before Arthur got the wrong idea. "Something you'd like to tell me?"

"I guess so," Merlin murmured. He stood up. "I've tried to tell you before, but, you just laughed."

"So what are you telling me?" Arthur asked impatiently.

"I – I'm not who you think I am," he sighed. "I'm not just Merlin. I'm also Emrys, the last Dragonlord, and the silent protector of Camelot."

"Silent protector?" Arthur repeated. "If you are Emrys, then it is you who is responsible for the death of my father." Merlin hung his head. "Get out!"

"Wait!" Amy interrupted. "If the Doctor were here, he'd tell you that, no matter what you'd have done, your father would have died that day. It's a fixed point in time – if he'd of lived, it would have created a paradox."

"Then it was always meant to be you," Arthur sighed. "I trusted you, and you betray me."

"Arthur!" Gwen scolded. "Merlin is your friend."

"Was," he growled. "But no more."

"I didn't mean to kill your father!" Merlin yelled. "When you killed my love, did I complain? NO! Because if I'd have said anything, I'd of been killed too!" he stormed out the room. Gwen shot Arthur a glare and followed him.

"Merlin," Gwen sighed. She was outside his bedroom door, trying to get him to come out, "He didn't mean it."

"Yes he did," Merlin shot back. "You wouldn't believe how many times I've risked my life for him, and this is my thanks."

"Merlin, you know he'll come round." Merlin put his head in his hands. He wanted to believe Gwen, but Arthur was stubborn when it came to his father.

"I don't know, Gwen," Merlin sighed. "This is going to be difficult. He won't listen to me."

"You want me to talk to him?"

"He's more likely to listen to you."

"I'll try, Merlin, but I can't guarantee anything."

As Gwen left, she passed Amy, who went into Merlin's room to talk to him.

"It will work out, Merlin."

"So you all keep saying," he murmured.

"It has to work out," she carried on. "It's been written over and over again. You're the person who's always by Arthur's side, his advisor, his tutor…" she trailed off. "It wouldn't be the Arthurian legend without you." Merlin smiled.

"Thanks," he mumbled, "But I may as well pack my bags."