Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin

A Camelot Courtship

The castle was preparing for the final dinner of Madvedor's stay. He and Morgana had gone for a walk in the grounds, though it was clear to her that his mind wasn't on the matter at hand, he was busy thinking about other things. Which more than suited her, it meant she could prattle inanely to keep him distracted and meanwhile her thoughts kept drifting to Merlin. While she did that, Tristan was hurtling back to Camelot, hoping he wasn't too late. Elyan and Gwaine, concerned that no one had seen Madvedor's goons all day and assuming they could only be up to no good, were searching for the two, fearing what trouble they could be causing. Gaius was continuing to pore through books, trying determinedly to identify Madvedor's crest, while Arthur trained with Leon and Percival. Gwen was in the town, going around the people, getting their opinions and thoughts and seeing that they wanted for nothing. And Merlin was going about his chores, which were taking ten times longer due to his side still paining him.

"Enough!" Madvedor snapped, turning to Morgana, who had unintentionally started to talk about Merlin, and she had to hide a smile.

"I'm sorry my lord, I didn't mean to make you jealous." She said, suppressing a grin.

Madvedor's eyes widened in a comical mix of surprise and fury.

"Jealous? Of a serving boy who can't look after himself? Hardly." He sneered, and she cocked her head to the side.

"You seem very out of sorts this afternoon my lord. I trust everything is all right?" she asked politely, inwardly condemning the man. After she had returned to Camelot after Merlin had poisoned her, she had been planning to betray everyone she saw and cared about on a daily basis and only the one person had ever truly suspected, at least until much later when Gwen had started to get suspicious. Madvedor clearly hated Merlin, thought little of her, and was only civil to Gwen and Arthur because etiquette demanded it. As someone planning an eventual betrayal, he really was quite feeble at it.

"Yes fine, I'm just a little sad to be leaving that is all. If you'll excuse me." He said, bowing to her reluctantly and he swept inside, leaving Morgana smiling behind him.

Only a few more hours left, and he would be gone. However, she too was slightly concerned that he hadn't made whatever move he planned to make yet. It was making her uneasy. Just waiting for him to act up was straining all of their nerves. Smiling, and wishing Merlin was here in order to continue on her walk, she headed to where Arthur was practicing with Leon and Percival. After all, it had been a while since she had outdueled her little brother, and she wanted to see if she still could.

XX

Merlin was heading back to Gaius' chambers, his side throbbing horribly. Maybe he should have taken some time off. But he couldn't. Not with Madvedor threatening Arthur, Morgana, Gwen and everyone else he cared about. They knew what he intended to do, it was just a case of catching him in the act. But that presented another problem. If they confronted Madvedor and he retaliated with magic, there was a good chance his own magic might be exposed. While Morgana should be able to deal with Madvedor on her own, if Madvedor got the jump on them, it would be up to Merlin. And that thought didn't make him feel any better.

For a while now, he had considered just coming out and telling Arthur who he really was. After all, he had forgiven Morgana, who had conquered Camelot twice, indirectly killed his father and had betrayed him utterly, and he hadn't killed her when he had her at his mercy. But, somehow Merlin thought he wouldn't be quite so lenient with him. He had known about his magic all this time, and he had kept it quiet, hiding it from his best friend, despite never trying to hurt him with it. But one thing Arthur couldn't cope with was betrayal. Would he think Merlin had betrayed him by being a sorcerer in secret all these years?

Merlin feared one thing above all others: Arthur turning on him as soon as he found out what he was. He had quickly learned to hate Morgana after she had been revealed as a witch, but that was different. Merlin had never tried to hurt him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Arthur would react to the truth very badly, and it was that thought, that primal fear that had made him keep silent all these years. But Merlin knew one thing in his heart: very soon now he would have to tell Arthur. He was running out of excuses. And hadn't Arthur proved himself open to the possibility of magic? He wasn't keeping Morgana prisoner and Merlin knew a small part of the king quite enjoyed watching Morgana perform magic (except when she was using it against him). But Merlin still couldn't shake the feeling that when the truth came out, it would only end badly. He knew he should think better of Arthur, and he did, but he couldn't shake the primordial fear that the truth would destroy the two of them.

Merlin was distracted from his musings as he passed Madvedor's chambers. The door was slightly open, and something caught Merlin's eye. Looking curiously up and down the corridor, he gently opened the door, and crouched down to the pile of dust that was on the floor. It was a large heap of dust, with a funny smell coming from it. Merlin dipped his fingers in it, brought them to his nose and gave a hesitant sniff. And almost boked. He recognised that smell. He had smelt it when the black knight had been set loose on Camelot, in the tombs where he had first tried to stop Morgana turning evil. Bone dust. Decayed bone. Merlin looked at the pile in confusion, then his mind began to work, and he realised what this was. This was the reason no one could find any of Madvedor's thugs. He had killed them. Standing up and shaking himself off in disgust, he was about to turn around and run to inform Arthur when he was suddenly blasted over the room, his head slamming hard into the stone wall. His eyes rolled in his head, he slid down the wall in a head, and the world went black.

XX

Arthur was scanning the room intently. Merlin had disappeared. Again. And he wasn't the only one who had noticed. The knights were all edgy, scanning the room for any sign of their friend. Gwen had gone the scenic route to the hall to try and find hide or hair of him and she'd appeared a while earlier, unsuccessful. Morgana was also fervently seeking Merlin, and not even engaging a jovial Madvedor in conversation.

"Alright, where could he be?" Arthur hissed, and Gwen smiled a little.

"Is this because you're annoyed I had to get you dressed, or because you're actually genuinely worried about him?" she asked teasingly.

He glowered at her.

"Fine you win! I'm a little annoyed, but I'm mostly worried, he's nearly died once already this week, and I'm worried Madvedor might have finished the job ok?" he said, and made a mental note to swear her to secrecy later.

"For what it's worth, I'm worried too. You don't think Madvedor-?" she asked worriedly, looking at the noble who was all too happy.

"If he has..." Arthur said, glaring down at Madvedor, who was back to his witty and charming self once more. However beside him Morgana sent him a worried look, and when he shook his head, her face became more troubled.

Arthur frowned. His friend was missing again, and Madvedor was all too cheerful. They had to be connected. And if Merlin was gone...well he supposed Gwen and Morgana would forgive him for becoming like his father just the once.

XX

Merlin groaned as he woke up, his head throbbing and his side wet with blood. Madvedor had thrown him hard into the opposite wall, and as it was now dark outside, he must have been unconscious for hours. Merlin winced as he got back to his feet, his head pounding. The chamber was completely dark, his head was throbbing where it had hit the wall, he was a little dizzy, and his stab wound had opened up again as a result of being blasted across the room. All in all, not one of his better days. And worse, Arthur would moan and nag him for being late and be insufferable to live with...provided he wasn't freaking out.

Merlin started across the room, wincing as he did so, as his side was wet with blood and painful again, and what was more the room was spinning around him. He hadn't had a good week. Hobbling to the door and shaking his head slightly to clear it, or at the very least, stop it spinning, he pondered why Madvedor hadn't killed him. He supposed a dead body would be harder to get rid of than someone who was just unconscious, and also Arthur and the others would probably suspect him first of all.

Merlin closed his eyes, his head still pounding, and his body still warm with blood. He had torn open the wound again, but it was starting to stop now. Merlin pulled at the door, only to find it locked. Which meant Madvedor intended to keep him here until he did whatever it was he was up to. Merlin frowned, then with a well chosen word the doors banged open, his eyes flashing amber.

Stepping into the warm, light corridor, he swayed, his vision blurring. He must have hit the wall harder than he thought. Gasping a little, he leaned against the wall and decided what he was going to do. Madvedor had to be stopped. Now. They couldn't wait. And killing someone in a way that they turned into dust, and attacking him yet again, more than proved his less than good intentions. He had to be stopped. Steeling himself, and taking a deep breath, Merlin ignored the pain in his side and his head, and ran for the main hall.

XX

Tristan leapt off his horse, passing the reins to the stable boy and hurrying for the castle. After killing the thug, he had lost precious time trying to capture his horse again, which seemed reluctant to go home and kept trotting off whenever he had gotten close. By the time he had finally outwitted the animal and had gotten himself back on it, he was very behind schedule and he had pushed the horse hard to reach Camelot. Arthur had to know the truth about Madvedor. Dashing up the stairs, he headed for the hall.

XX

Dessert was being served, and Madvedor had been prattling cheerfully all night. Which was making Morgana uneasy. Well, more uneasy than she was already, and she could see that the others were all just as worried as she was about Merlin. Madvedor was markedly happier than he had been earlier, and she had a horrid feeling his good mood was something to do with Merlin. Had he hurt him? Or had he finished the job he had started the other day and killed him?

"Have you seen Merlin?" she asked hesitantly, her eyes still scanning the door.

Madvedor rolled his eyes.

"Princess I have better things to worry about than absent servants. Lost him have you?" he asked curtly, though there was a tinge of smugness to his answer which worried her.

Just as she was about to respond, the doors banged open, and Merlin, to her great relief, rushed in. Or at least that was until she got a proper look at him. Blood was soaking his side, he was even paler than he usually was, his hands were shaking and he was breathing heavily, and there looked to be blood in his hair as well.

"Merlin!" Arthur cried out, his voice a mix of relief and alarm at his friend's appearance as his servant shakily made his way to their table.

Percival and Elyan were by his side in an instant, supporting him, both of them looking just as alarmed as they felt at Merlin's appearance. Morgana however was only watching the man she loved with one eye. Her other was fixed on Madvedor, who was looking at Merlin with an expression of uncomprehending, furious horror.

"Madvedor...attacked me. He's killed one of the guys working for him, they're just a pile of dust. And he blasted me across the room with magic." Merlin said as he reached Arthur, looking as if he were about to faint.

Arthur stood at once, supporting Merlin with one hand, while turning to Madvedor, his face expectant, though his blood was boiling and crying out for his blood. Meanwhile Gwaine went to the end of the table, blocking Madvedor should he try to escape.

"Preposterous! I have never been so insulted in my life. Sire, I strongly recommend you beat some respect into this boy, at once, or I'm afraid I shall have to ask permission to do it myself. I will not stand to be insulted by a mere servant!" he growled furiously.

Arthur looked at him, his face as cold as ice, and he drew his sword and advanced along the line to where Madvedor sat, while Morgana and Gwen got to their feet, and Leon blocked the other end.

"No Madvedor. You see, my best friend, who we know full well you have already tried to kill, has just come in here, bleeding from the waist where he was stabbed and also bleeding from the head. There is also a strange dust on his clothes, which oddly enough smells of decaying bodies and tombs. Now, Merlin won't have done anything himself to open his wound again, there's no way his head could be bleeding other than through being assaulted, and there's no way he could be covered in bone dust unless he had indeed found some poor unfortunate who had been turned into that. So Madvedor, that puts you rather firmly in the frame. Also, your disdain for servants in general, your particular hatred for Merlin, and the fact that we know you're trying to steal Morgana's powers all point to your guilt. So please, tell me where Merlin is lying and I will punish him. Otherwise, you have a lot of explaining to do." Arthur said, Excalibur pointing to Madvedor's throat.

Madvedor looked at Arthur furiously, at the looks of hatred and anger he was getting from Gwen and Morgana, and the slightly unfocused glare he was getting from Merlin.

"Look at him, he can barely stand, he's concussed..." Madvedor said, trying to divert attention away from him. Things had taken a turn for the worst. How had the insolent brat gotten out of the room? He had locked the door, it should have been impossible for him to break out from the inside.

"Yet he ran all the way here to tell me what you have done. So Madvedor, my lord, where are your bodyguards and are you a sorcerer, yes or no?" Arthur thundered.

The doors banged open again, revealing an out of breath Tristan.

"Sire...that man is not Lord Madvedor. Madvedor is dead, his kingdom is in flames. That man is an imposter!" Tristan crowed triumphantly, and a cold, vicious smile appeared on Arthur's face as he turned to a furious and disbelieving Madvedor.

"Seize him!" he yelled, and Gwaine, Percival and Leon surrounded the imposter, drawing their swords and keeping him covered, while Madvedor looked furiously at Arthur.

"Take this traitor to the dungeons. And prepare for an execution first thing tomorrow. Madvedor, for treason, attempted murder and for practicing sorcery, you are condemned to death. Take him away!" Arthur said, and the knights jostled Madvedor down the high table, to the cheers of the other attending nobles and guards.

"You will pay for this Arthur Pendragon!" Madvedor swore as they led him down the hall, his face turning into a predatory smile as Arthur headed round to check on Merlin.

"Look out!" Gwen yelled suddenly as Arthur reached Merlin and Elyan.

Madvedor spun, and gesturing with his hand, send the three knights crashing to the floor, his eyes glowing amber. He then turned to face Arthur, Merlin and Elyan, grinning widely as the other guards rushed forward, led by Tristan while the other knights tried to get back to their feet.

"You insolent, interfering servant! Why won't you just die?" he screamed, throwing a flare of fire right for the three of them.

Merlin gasped. His head was throbbing, he couldn't deflect the attack in time, they couldn't avoid it...

The fire suddenly directed itself into the floor, crashing there. There were gasps of surprise, and Madvedor looked on in shock, until there was an excited murmur as Morgana climbed onto the table, firing a jet of flame down at Madvedor. Merlin watched as the witch, her black dress billowing, her black hair flowing behind her, her face furious, her eyes flashing amber jumped down off the table, sending all the forks in the room hurtling at the other sorcerer. Madvedor raised a shield to block the attack, but before he even considered attacking again, there was another blast from Morgana, this time of green energy which forced him back. Morgana then unleashed herself upon him, the very definition of fury and magic, streams of fire, lightning and shining magical energy erupting from her hands every second, continuing to keep Madvedor on the defensive, with him only able to conjure a shield to protect himself. She advanced, the entire room watching with rapt attention as the witch of Camelot blasted a burst of freezing cold air at him, turning his black spherical shield to ice. She gave a small smirk of triumph, then sent a jagged blast of electricity into it, shattering the icy globe, and Madvedor looked at her in terror. She then flicked her two fingers with a single gesture, and he was blown off his feet, hurtling through the air out of the hall and crashing into the wall outside the room, where he toppled to the ground, defeated.

Cheers erupted in the hall as someone applauded the defeat of the sorcerer, while Morgana looked on furiously. The knights rushed to seize him.

"Take him to the dungeons!" Arthur ordered, and they hauled an unconscious Madvedor away.

Arthur smiled at Morgana, her expression blazing.

"Impressive." He said, as people continued to clap and whistle.

"Oh I've been wanting to do that all week, you have no idea of how much better I feel." She said ecstatically.

Arthur grinned and turned to Merlin and barely caught him as he swayed.

"Merlin!" he scolded, sitting him on the edge of the table.

"I don't feel so good." He said weakly as the entire hall bustled around, chatting and patting Morgana on the back. She had certainly just won a lot of goodwill points forcing Madvedor off.

"I'm not surprised, you probably have a concussion and your side has reopened again." Gwen fretted as she came around to their side, putting her hand to his forehead.

Morgana broke away from her new admirers and smiled at Merlin, who looked blearily up at her, his eyes a little unfocused.

"That was amazing." He said weakly, and her cheeks went pink, which her brother thankfully didn't see. She wasn't so sure about her sister in law though, as she suddenly had a smile on her face despite the state Merlin was in.

"Thank you. Come here, I did some reading, I should be able to fix your side at least." She said, her eyes flashing amber, and the blood stopped, the wound healed with a shimmer and the blood on his clothes vanished.

"Hey, I am pretty amazing aren't I?" Morgana asked, impressed with her own handiwork.

"Also so modest." Arthur said with a grin, as Merlin shook his head to try and clear it.

"You ok?" Gwen asked, helping him to his feet.

Merlin wavered a little, making Arthur support him, but he nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine just a little woozy." He said, steadying himself and then letting go of Arthur.

The hall was returning to normal, people happily gossiping about everything that had happened as the dinner resumed, the meal going back to normal, the fight nothing more than an interesting interlude.

"Alright, just this once you can say it." Arthur said reluctantly to Merlin, who grinned.

"Alright. I told you so! I told you he was up to no good and you didn't believe me!" he crowed triumphantly.

Arthur smiled and shook his head as Gwaine approached, looking around incredulously at the bustling hall.

"He's locked in the dungeon and still out of it. Leon is away to look in his room as well." He reported, casting a critical eye over Merlin.

"Good. Now brother dear, I assume he will be the last suitor I need to put up with for a while?" Morgana asked peevishly, and Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Yeah I suppose so, we don't have much choice in the matter anyway. You attacking them even for the right reasons will tend to scare people off of wanting to marry you I reckon." He lamented, and she and Merlin grinned widely.

"Good. Now, I'm off to bask in my brilliance in peace. Night." She said cheerfully, kissing Merlin's cheek and earning her a shy smile as she practically skipped off out of the hall.

"Hmm, maybe we should invite suitors for her more often. Taking them out seems to do her mood a hell of a lot of good." Gwen commented dryly.

"So it does. You ok to get back to Gaius on your own?" Arthur asked Merlin, who was still very pale.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Merlin said, and promptly staggered after taking two steps.

"Sure you are. Gwaine take him back to Gaius. And Merlin, take it easy. You earned it." Arthur said, clapping him on the shoulder.

"I must have hit my head harder than I thought, I'm sure you just told me to take it easy. Clearly I'm brain damaged." Merlin said with a grin as Gwaine put his arm around his shoulders to support him.

"No more so than usual. Get out of here." Arthur said with a grin and watched as his friends vanished into the corridor.

"Not a bad week all in all. A potentially deadly enemy nullified, Morgana happy and a hero, Merlin alive...we did quite well." Gwen said, kissing Arthur softly.

"True. Now, what do you say to an early night?" he asked mischievously, and she shook her head.

"No way, not with what Morgana did to you." She said, and he grinned all the wider.

"Oh yes way. She figured out how to fix it. Someone gave her an anonymous tip, and she tried it, and its gone. So, bed my dear?" he asked, offering her arm, and smiling widely, she took it.

Arthur smiled. Yeas it had been a good day. Camelot was safe, Morgana still had her powers, Merlin would be alright, and Madvedor was locked up. Everything was going right for once. And even better, Morgana had taken the jinx she had put on him off. Smiling widely, he and his queen headed to bed, while the nobles and other courtiers talked about the night's events, Madvedor's treachery and the benefits to having the Wicked Witch of Camelot within the walls rather than without.

XX

"You ought to be more careful." Gaius scolded as he finished cleaning Merlin up.

"I didn't hear him, he ambushed me. Besides, Morgana fixed my stab wound and Madvedor's locked up, he cant do anything else." Merlin said cheerfully.

Gwaine grinned.

"Exactly. Which means everything can go back to normal. He's locked up, Leon took his things down to the vaults, Arthur and Merlin are talking again, and Merlin, Tristan and Morgana are the heroes of the hour. Everything is fine again. Now, I am going to go and have some food, then answer the strange call in my head." Gwaine said with a grin, clapping Merlin's shoulder.

"You're hearing voices?" Gaius asked in astonishment.

"I think you'll find it's the tavern calling his name." Merlin said with a small grin, Gwaine winked and then opened the door to find a servant standing there with a large platter.

"Compliments of the king." The servant said, depositing it in front of Merlin with a bow.

"Ooh, what did he send you?" Gwaine asked, looking at it hopefully.

"Roast pork." Merlin said with a grin, seeing the pork, potatoes and apple sauce Arthur had sent him.

"After all the trouble you've had this week you deserve it. Enjoy. Huh, says something when the servants eat better than the knights do..." Gwaine said with a smile and waved before vanishing out the door, allowing Merlin to tuck into his dinner. Gaius chuckled, and went back to researching about Madvedor. He may be defeated but he wanted to know exactly who it was who had nearly killed Merlin. Watching as Merlin devoured the roast pork, he went back to his books.

XX

Percival smiled tiredly. It was over. Merlin and Tristan had exposed Madvedor, his goons were dead, and Madvedor himself was in prison. Percival looked contemptuously down at the still unconscious imposter. He had nearly killed Merlin at least three times, tried to kill Arthur and tried to steal Morgana's powers. Watching him burn would be very satisfying. He turned around, waiting for one of the guards to come and relieve him.

Behind him, Madvedor's eyes opened.

He softly got to his feet, and then waved his hand, blasting the door to the cage outward, knocking Percival out with it, sending the hulking knight collapsing to the floor, pinned by the cage door. Madvedor smiled. So, that witch thought he was all washed up did she? She would soon learn. And after she had, so too would everyone she cared about. Plucking the Jewel of Tempestra from beneath his robes, he swept from the prison, bound for Morgana's chambers.

XX

"Uh oh." Gaius muttered, earning him a worried look from Merlin, who was rubbing the tender part of his head ruefully.

"I hate it when you go 'uh oh'." He said warily, shovelling a last spoon of apple sauce into his mouth.

"This was the crest Madvedor had wasn't it?" Gaius asked, showing Merlin the book, his expression worried.

Merlin looked at it and nodded.

"Yeah, why?" Merlin asked, looking vaguely worried himself.

"I should have recognised it earlier. Madvedor is a member of the Catha. He went rogue just before the purge and hasn't been seen since. But before he left..."

"He took the Jewel of Tempestra. Great. But he's in prison, he'll be executed in the morning." Merlin said, a horrible feeling in his gut.

"Merlin, Madvedor is in some ways more powerful than Alator. His torture techniques will be more than considerable, and if Percival isn't expecting it..."

Realisation suddenly gripped Merlin.

"That's what he was trying to do to me, he was trying to do to me what Alator did to you. But he wasn't expecting me to be a sorcerer so it didn't work. But if he can do that..."

"He might be able to get to Percival, and we already know how easy it is to break out of there. Merlin, I don't think Madvedor's through just yet." He said worriedly.

Merlin panicked. Madvedor. Somehow, he knew Gaius was right. Madvedor wasn't finished yet. Not by a long shot.

"Come on, we need to check on Percival." Merlin said, and he and Gaius rushed towards the dungeons.

XX

Madvedor turned another man into dust, smiling as he did so. The four he had killed had certainly sped up his recovery of his powers, it hadn't been easy duelling Morgana, she had surprised him. But now he was ready once more. And eager to repay the favour. He went for the door.

XX

The two of them entered the dungeon, to see Percival pinned and moaning slightly beneath the doors that had formerly been on the bar of Madvedor's cell. Merlin gestured and the bars blew off, allowing Gaius to bend down beside the fallen knight. Merlin looked at his fallen friend, worry filling him. Where was Madvedor now? He could make an educated guess but he needed to be sure.

"Ow." Percival groaned, sitting up, his head and back throbbing.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asked urgently.

"No! He threw a bloody door at me!" Percival retorted.

"Where did he go?" Merlin demanded sharply, trying to get Percival to focus as it looked as though he were about to faint.

"I don't know, after Morgana I assume." He said weakly, and then passed out.

Gaius grunted in annoyance and began tending to him, then looked up at Merlin in alarm.

"Where are you going?" he demanded worriedly.

"To stop Madvedor. I hope." He said grimly, the dashed out of sight.

"Merlin!"

XX

Merlin flew through the castle, determined to stop Madvedor. He had to stop him. They had just got Morgana back. He wasn't going to let Madvedor hurt her. He wouldn't let him do that to Arthur. Or to her. Or to him. He wouldn't let Madvedor take the woman he loved away, not now.

As he hurtled through the castle, his eyes flashed, and the alarm bell started clanging, which he knew would rouse the knights to the situation, and hopefully slow down Madvedor. But even if he did, unless Morgana had already defeated him, and if he ambushed her as he had him she might not be able to, there was a very good chance his magic was about to be revealed.

He didn't know how he felt about that. Once again he was split between the fear aspect of what everyone would say and do, and another part of him strangely looked forward to it. He had carried the burden for so long now, it would frankly be a relief for everyone to know. But what would the people he loved most say? Arthur, Gwen, Morgana, Gwaine, how would they all react? Morgana in particular when she discovered that Merlin was actually Emrys, the one she believed would destroy her?

Sighing, Merlin bolted up the stairs, the scarf she had given him whipping in the wind he was creating, and he came in sight of her door, which was slightly ajar. Bracing himself, and figuring that whatever happened would happen, he headed for Morgana's room.

XX

Arthur was just finishing massaging her when the alarm bell went off.

"Oh now what?" Gwen grumbled, sitting up and looking at him irritably.

He frowned. There could only be one reason why the alarm bell was going off. Madvedor had escaped.

"Oh no. He's out." Arthur cursed, and as she swore, he stooped to pick up Excalibur and headed for the dungeons.

XX

Morgana tried valiantly to whip him away from her with her magic, but it was to no avail. After his initial attack had sent a scorching headache through her head, Madvedor had barged in, knocking the dagger from her hand, and then he blasted her over the bed, landing heavily on her back. With the pain burning in her head, she had retreated towards the wall, trying to get to her drawer where she had another dagger. However, he had moved too quickly, and now her magic was pouring out of her, into the jewel, glowing with a nice purple light, and she could feel herself getting weaker the long the jewel was in contact with her. He was laughing mockingly as she tried to think of anything to defend herself, but with him sucking her magic from her, it was leaving her too weak to do anything.

"You know, I considered just stealing your powers from the outset and killing you there and then. But then I wouldn't be able to cause as much pain to dear Arthur Pendragon as I could. After everything his father did to our kind, you came back here to him? You don't deserve the title of High Priestess. Someone of your power, of our kind, should have ripped Camelot down from the inside out, but no. He tamed you, him and that love struck pup of yours, Merlin. And as the week came on, I came to despise you. High Priestesses are strong, powerful, you are weak, needy and bent upon the will of the bastard child of a butcher and a pathetic lowlife servant. And after all, who could deny me the chance of vengeance? To kill the two children of the Butcher Pendragon, and make them watch as the people they love most in the world are taken from them? All too delicious. But that interfering, insolent and all too clever servant of Arthur's continually got in my way, and refused to even have the decency to die like the vermin he is! But no more. Now dear High Priestess, I have what I came for, your powers. But don't die just yet. I want you to watch as I peel the skin from your precious Merlin's bones, and then watch as I kill your friends and brother, and bring this kingdom to the ground!" he gloated, sticking the jewel, hanging from his neck, back down the front of his robes.

Morgana gasped and weakly say against the wall, glowering up at him.

"You won't get away with this Madvedor. I beat you once, I'll beat you again." She vowed, even though she knew full well she couldn't do much to stop him.

Madvedor laughed and crouched down beside her.

"I don't think so. Your powers are now mine. Which means that no one can now stop me. Least of all you 'High Priestess'." He sneered contemptuously.

She glared at him as he headed for the door.

"You know, Merlin was right about you." She taunted.

That got his attention. He turned, his expression furious.

"Right about what?" he bit out angrily.

She smirked defiantly, glaring up at him and hoping some strength would come back into her legs.

"You really are a clodpole." She hissed triumphantly, and his face coloured with fury, and he came at her, and she began to regret what she had said.

XX

Arthur and Gwen hurtled into the dungeon, to see Gaius tending to a weak Percival, and Leon, Tristan, Elyan and Gwaine drawing their swords.

"You alright?" Arthur asked his knight, who nodded weakly.

Gwen wasn't paying attention to the knight though, her eyes were scanning the dungeon.

"Where's Madvedor?" Arthur asked, Excalibur in hand and ready to wipe the man from the face of the earth.

"We think he's gone after Morgana." Tristan said darkly.

"Let's go then." Gwaine said, turning for the stair.

"Wait. Gaius, where's Merlin?" Gwen asked in confusion.

Gaius looked at them worriedly.

"He went after Madvedor." Gaius said grimly, and even Percival, not exactly with the program, managed to loo horrified.

"Alone?" Arthur demanded and followed the knights as they hurtled up the stairs towards his sister's chambers.

XX

Merlin heard her whimper just as he barged open the door, glowering at Madvedor, who span to regard him, hatred marring his features. Morgana looked up at Merlin fearfully, her cheek red having apparently been slapped. Madvedor then walked away from her, and she started trying to get her arm to the top of her dresser, all the while her frightened gaze focused on Merlin.

"You just don't know when to die do you?" Madvedor sneered, advancing on Merlin, who despite being scared, held his ground firmly, his eyes narrowed at the sorcerer.

"I could say the same for you." Merlin bit out.

Morgana looked across to him, her expression terrified.

"Merlin, get out of here, you're no match for him, he's a sorcerer." She ordered as she opened a drawer.

Madvedor laughed.

"Ah, you underestimate him Morgana. He is here to save his damsel. A heroic gesture you stupid little brat, but ultimately futile. I have Morgana's powers." He gloated, and Merlin darted his eyes to her, still pale and weak, her cheek still red, rummaging in a drawer for something.

"Give them back to her and I'll let you go." Merlin said coldly, and Madvedor laughed again.

"You fool. You must realise you are doomed. You are no match for me." He said confidently, raising his hand.

Merlin just stood there impassively. He knew he was about to take a huge risk. Morgana was about to see him use his powers, and there was no telling how such a situation could end. But he had to protect her. And he had to stop Madvedor. The fact that he would thoroughly enjoy it was irrelevant. Steeling himself, Merlin just stood there, waiting for Madvedor to move.

Madvedor gave him a cold, triumphant smile.

"Oh how I have been looking forward to this. I wanted to make you watch while I killed your beloved Morgana and Arthur, but frankly, it will be too much fun just to kill you now." He said, and with a flash of amber, he sent a howling fireball right for Merlin.

"Merlin!" Morgana shrieked.

Merlin calmly raised his hand and blocked the attack, the fire dissipating against his hand, smiling grimly as he did so. Silence reigned for a second as Madvedor and Morgana both looked at him in astonishment.

"You're a sorcerer!" Morgana exclaimed croakily, her search for her other dagger temporarily forgotten by this unexpected piece of news that had taken up all the room in her head.

"Impossible." Madvedor breathed.

Merlin still glowered at him, though chanced a look at Morgana, to see her gaping up at him in shock, her eyes wide with astonishment. Not seeing anything else, at least not yet he focused on Madvedor.

"Perfectly possible." He answered back coolly.

"But how? There's only one being who should be able to survive a blast that powerful. But...no! You! It can't be you. You can't be...Emrys!" Madvedor exclaimed in shock, bordering on fear.

That did get Morgana's attention. She looked angrily at Madvedor, then turned her steely, demanding glare on Merlin.

"Emrys?" she demanded irritably, and he gave her a nervous smile and nodded.

"Sorry." He said softly, and she dropped his gaze.

"It all makes so much sense now. All of it." She muttered, and fearing what that could lead to later, Merlin turned back to face Madvedor.

"Well then. That explains how you evaded my torture, your magic protected you. I have waited a long time for this. Let us match my powers, and the ones I have acquired, including hers, against the powers of the almighty Emrys." He said with a vicious, feral smile as he raised his hand.

"Bad move Madvedor. I'm a creature of the Old Religion. Your powers, even your stolen ones, won't help." Merlin said coldly.

"We shall see. Now boy, this is why you don't interfere with my plans." He growled, and sent a jagged fork of lightning at Merlin.

Merlin caught the bolt in the palm of his hand and redirected it back at Madvedor, who blew it into the ceiling, sending dust streaming down. Merlin flicked Madvedor over the room, making the other land on the floor beside Morgana. Madvedor leapt to his feet and sent a ball of deadly black energy hurtling towards Merlin. Merlin danced away from the attack, sending a beam of pure gold light shooting towards Madvedor, who ducked, a scorch mark appearing on the wall behind him. Merlin then sent a torrent of water hurtling at Madvedor, who erected a shield of fire to block the attack. He then sent the fireball towards Merlin, but Merlin blew at it, magic pouring through him and the fireball reversed direction. Madvedor grunted, splitting the fireball into two streams of fire, sending them around again to face Merlin. Merlin then gestured at Morgana's fallen dagger, distracting Madvedor. While he avoided the dagger, Merlin waved his hand, the fire coalescing in his palms, crackling bolts of electricity wrapping around them, and Merlin fired the two in quick succession. Madvedor grunted, ducking to avoid the first one and rolling away from the second, but Merlin was on to him, a whip of red magic cracking at him. Madvedor gestured at the bed, snapping the four posts at each corner and flicking them at Merlin. Merlin caught the attack, changing them into swords and then flinging them back to Madvedor, who swore and barely avoided the four swords. He then turned to face their attack, the four coming in at all angles, while Merlin sent stream after stream of magic at his opponent. Madvedor created a shimmering black shield, and dashed at Merlin. Merlin simply raised a wall of fire that blocked his passage, and flicked at Madvedor's neck. Madvedor gasped as the Jewel of Tempestra flew off his neck and into Merlin's hands.

"NO!" he yelled urgently.

"Morgana!" Merlin yelled, firing lightning at Madvedor.

Morgana smiled and caught the jewel, then promptly smashed it against the floor, and Madvedor's shied failed as his magic reserves were reduced to just his own. He wasted no time, trapping Morgana in a bubble which he then froze over, trapping her inside, and he then turned to deal with Merlin. Merlin was already on the move, a torrent of water lancing into Madvedor and knocking him backwards. Madvedor grunted, and arrow heads appeared on each finger, and he pointed them at Merlin, ten deadly little shafts headed right for his heart. Merlin conjured a strong wooden shield which blocked the attack, turning shield and arrows into a large razor sharp disc which he then fired at Madvedor. Madvedor incinerated the disc, but Merlin was already moving, creating a dragon, the size of the room, made entirely of fire, which swooped down at Madvedor. Madvedor exclaimed in horrified surprise, and blasted the dragon to smoke, throwing attack after attack at Merlin. Merlin blocked every attack with one hand, collecting the energy in the other, which he then threw back at Madvedor, tenfold. The shimmering light bolted right for Madvedor, who conjured a strong wind to dispel it. Madvedor was losing, and he knew it. What was more, cracks were appearing in the bubble, and soon he would have two of them to deal with.

Merlin sent a stream of ice at Madvedor, who barely blocked the attack. He was losing. He desperately sent forth two fiery wreaths that surged towards Merlin, then as Merlin raised his hand to block the attack, he turned to obliterate Morgana. And then a fiery wreath struck him in the chest.

Madvedor screamed in pain as the fire set alight his robes and his chest burned with the pain. He stumbled backwards, slamming hard into the windowsill as he tried desperately to put out the flames. And then a tornado leapt from Merlin's hand, blasting Madvedor into the air and out through the window, shattering it into tiny pieces. Madvedor had a second to realise what had happened before it was too late, and he screamed as he fell towards the ground, smoke billowing from him as he plummeted. Merlin looked out of the window and watched in grim satisfaction as Madvedor's body slammed into the ground at the base of the tower, fire still smouldering on him, blood pooling around his shattered body. He breathed a sigh of relief and pulled himself back inside.

Where he was promptly slapped in the face.

"You! All this time! It was you! You're a sorcerer!" Morgana raged, her eyes glowing amber with fury.

"Morgana...I am so so sorry." He said softly, casting his eyes away from her and rubbing his jaw, because her slap had really hurt.

"You...you were always the one. That's the reason. Why no one could ever kill Arthur. Why you betrayed me. Why Agravaine was killed. Why Morgause was attacked. It was all you." She said in cold wonder, looking at him.

"Yeah. It was all me. Arthur is the once and future king, and it's my job to protect him, to guide him." Merlin explained, his heart pounding very vast.

He was telling someone his secret. Someone who until recently had been his arch enemy. Someone who now knew he was Emrys. But above all else, she was the woman who he loved, and also probably the only person in the world who might actually understand.

"That explains so much. You. A sorcerer. That's how Arthur survived all these years. You've been protecting him. Nimueh, the Questing Beast, Morgause, the troll, me...you're how he survived. That's how you knew to send me to the druids, how you never judged me or turned me in. Because you're one too." She said softly, her eyes wide and studying him intently.

"Morgana, believe me, I wanted to tell you, to help you more than I did, but Gaius and Kilgharrah wouldn't let me. I wanted to help you, to guide you, but everything went wrong, Uther wouldn't let you go, and I had to poison you..." he said sadly.

"And you're Emrys. You're the one who will kill me." She said weakly, looking up at him, and saw him adamantly shaking his head.

"No. Never. I could have killed you in the forest. I could have killed you that night we took back Camelot. But I didn't. I couldn't. And now I won't. You changed, you came back. That future is gone. You aren't evil now. So, I don't need to fight you." He said with a small hesitant smile.

"Merlin..." Morgana began, looking up at him intently, just as the door banged open.

"Morgana! Are you alright?" Arthur demanded as he and the knights rushed in, looking at the damage to the room.

"Yes, yes I'm fine." She said, turning and allowing Arthur to hug her.

"You ok?" Arthur asked Merlin over her shoulder and he nodded, his eyes not leaving Morgana.

Would she tell Arthur? Would she tell him that his best friend is the very thing his father spent his life trying to eradicate? Would she figure out that it was him who inadvertently killed Uther? His eyes were watching her fearfully, as Arthur surveyed the damage.

"Wow, you lot make a mess when you fight. What happened?" Arthur asked, looking to Morgana.

Morgana looked out of the corner of her eye at Merlin, saw his pained, fearful expression. And she smiled slightly.

"Well Madvedor cheated. He used light to blind me and strip me of my powers. Merlin showed up and surprised him. He used a torch to set Madvedor's robes on fire, and while he was distracted he stole the crystal and smashed it to give me back my powers. And then, Merlin smaced him. Madvedor stumbled, and toppled out of the window." She said, and Merlin looked at her in relieved gratitude.

"What? Merlin saved you? After you trounced Madvedor earlier?" Leon demanded in astonishment.

"Like I said he cheated." She said tartly.

"Well done Merlin." Arthur said proudly as Gwen arrived.

"Oh what a mess. I better clean it up." She muttered, but Elyan stopped her, grinning.

"Gwen, you're not her servant anymore remember?" he asked cheerfully, and she blushed with embarrassment.

"Force of habit." She said defensively, and Morgana smiled.

"Don't worry Gwen. I can fix it." She said, and with a flash her room was restored mostly to its former state, though it was still rather messy as things had gone back together rather haphazardly.

"Hmm. Still haven't mastered these house hold sort of spells." She lamented and Merlin grinned a little.

"We sure he's dead?" Tristan asked, peering down at the remains of Madvedor far below.

"Not even a sorcerer can survive something like that Tristan." Merlin assured him.

"Good. So now everything can go back to normal at last. Well done Merlin." He said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Arthur sighed in relief, snaking his arm around Gwen's waist, who was smiling happily.

"This has been one hell of a week. I'm glad it's over. Right. No Morgana, no more suitors, not for a while. Merlin, good work I'm proud of you. Take tomorrow off. You've more then earned it." He said, and Merlin and Morgana smiled.

"What do we do about him?" Gwaine asked, pointing at the body far below.

"Get someone to remove it and dispose of it like the piece of vermin it is. Madvedor is gone, and I'm more than ready to forget all about him." He said tiredly.

"Amen to that." Morgana muttered to Merlin, who fought down a snigger.

Gwen looked around the room and looked at Merlin.

"Merlin, be a dear and help her get this place back to normal. Old habits die hard, and at least you'll sort it out properly." She said, smiling at him.

Merlin fought down a moan. He really wanted to get some sleep, give Morgana space but now...and then abruptly Gwen winked at him, and he understood. She was giving him scope to talk to Morgana.

"Alright. I'm glad all this is over. Night Morgana, Merlin. Now...where were we?" Arthur asked seductively, dragging a laughing Gwen from the room.

"You know, its a pretty poor lookout for the knights when a servant saves the day. Night Merlin, Morgana." Elyan said, and all the knights congratulated him before also leaving, none of them noticing the look on Merlin's face, as if he were trying to stop himself laughing.

"I take it the servant is usually the one who saves the day?" Morgana asked softly, and he nodded.

"Yeah, usually." He said with a small grin, and as soon as the door closed, he waved his own hand, turning the room to its normal state and turning to face Morgana.

"Morgana I'm so sorry. I always wanted to help you but I couldn't, I had to protect Arthur. And believe me, I never wanted to hurt you or kill you. I-" he prattled, until Morgana put her finger to his mouth.

"Merlin. Shoosh. Now," she said, flicking her hand and a jug of water appeared with two glasses, "why don't you tell me everything, from the beginning. Emrys." She said, a slight grin on her lips.

"Ok." He said with a slight smile.

XX

Percival was out for the count, and Gaius was yawning widely when there was a knock at the door, and a servant entered, looking confused.

"Yes?" Gaius asked, wondering who was ill. Gwaine had told him the fight was over, Madvedor was dead and both Morgana and Merlin were fine, so what could have happened?

"Um, the queen asked me to tell you that there could be a chance Merlin won't be returning here tonight." He said in confusion.

Gaius looked at him in confusion, until his mind, which hadn't quite forgotten what Merlin was going through, caught up with him, and he chuckled.

"Very well. Thank you. Goodnight." He said, and the servant left, and Gaius chuckled as he got into bed.

XX

"It wasn't funny you got me into trouble!" Merlin said ruefully as she sniggered.

"Sorry. I can't believe all of this. You were the one. The most powerful warlock in existence, Emrys, right here in Camelot, under the very nose of Uther, Arthur and me, all along. Appointed by Uther, to protect Arthur. It's amazing. Very annoying from a certain point of view, finding out the one who continually thwarted your plans was you all along and now I can't do anything about it, but still." She said, and Merlin grinned.

It was hours later. The moon was high in the sky, and for hours, Merlin had been telling Morgana everything. It had felt amazing to finally unburden himself, to finally tell someone the truth, and even better because it was someone who actually understood. He had told her everything, from his very first day in Camelot, the troll, the dragon, Morgause and her, the Dorocha, everything he could think of.

"You know, you've caused me a lot of trouble." She scolded, and he smiled.

"I could say the same to you." He said with a teasing smile, and she laughed.

"I suppose so. It all makes sense now. Annoying sense but it does make sense." She said kindly, and he looked at her hopefully.

"So, you don't hate me?" he asked hesitantly, and she stroked his cheek.

"Of course not. Actually, everything you did makes more sense now. Even poisoning me. I still won't let you forget that one, but I do get it all now. You're a sorcerer, much more powerful than me, and Arthur's guardian above all else. You protected Arthur, Gwen, even from me, and never once gave up hope that I would come back. Thank you." She said sweetly.

Merlin smiled as he got up off her bed, stretching, while Morgana looked on appraisingly.

"You're welcome." He said, heading for the door, clearly intending to go.

Morgana leapt off the bed and stood in front of the door, looking up at him shyly.

"Merlin. Gwen let something slip. About how you feel about someone. I was wondering, is it true?" she asked hesitantly, and Merlin scowled slightly.

"Gwen has a big mouth. But...yeah. It is true about how I feel about someone." He said elusively, his eyes taking in her beauty furtively.

"And," she said, taking a step closer, "what would you say if I told you the person you have feelings for has them for you too?"

Elation spread through Merlin's heart. She loved him too. Despite everything she had found out about him, she hadn't turned from him. In fact, she was telling him that she loved him. Pure joy spread through him as he took a step closer to Morgana, his eyes taking in her black dress, her beautiful, blazing eyes, longing to wrap her hair in his hands.

"I would say I'm sorry." He said, and she looked at him in confusion.

"For what?" she asked worriedly, thinking Gwen might have made a mistake of some kind, or that she'd frightened him off.

"For being so forward and kissing you right now." He said, and bent down, his lips locking with hers for the third time in his life.

Morgana made a moan of pleasure in her throat, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her onto her tiptoes, crushing her lips with his. He could taste her, how spicy and exotic she could be, how tempestuous and exciting and potentially lethal. He kissed her passionately, and she kissed back, drinking in everything that he was, light, hope, strength, laughter, kissing his beautiful sweet scent. They didn't stop, Merlin wrapping his hands in her hair as she guided him to the bed, where he fell backwards, allowing her to climb on top of him.

"I love you Morgana." He said huskily, kissing her neck.

"I love you too Merlin." She said, gently stroking his cheek.

He smiled, sitting up and turning his head, kissing her passionately. Morgana then slid her hand under his tunic, he could feel her hand on his chest. He moaned in delight, running his hand down her neck, gently kissing her lips as her hands continued to explore. He could feel her hands running through his hair, and he gently lowered her to the bed, kissing her neck, her collar, her cheek, her lips. She reciprocated, gently pulling off his scarf and casting it aside. He felt his longing for her explode, and as the moonlight hit them, he allowed her to have her way, pulling off his tunic.

They both knew what they wanted, there was no stopping them. They went on, kissing each other, getting more and more passionate as they went. Merlin kissed her, his tongue entering her mouth as she rolled onto her back, sliding down his trousers, while he undid her own clothes. And then, as the moon shone through onto the two sorcerers, she wrapped her hands into his hair, around her neck, as he entered her, kissing her fiercely and passionately.

"Morgana-" he moaned longingly.

She didn't answer, simply encouraged what he was doing, happiness radiating off of her. And the two of them, the former enemies, the two lovers, were together at last, united in love, and they could feel all of magic reverberating with what they were doing, their love echoing across all of magic as the two strongest magic users in the world were together at last.

XX

Kilgharrah lazily opened an eye to see Aithusa standing at the entrance to their cave, looking towards Camelot, his head tilted as though trying to understand something.

"What's daddy doing?" he asked curiously.

Kilgharrah frowned, and then felt what was going on with magic. Anger raged inside him, building to an inferno. Aithusa may not know what was going on, but he certainly did.

Betrayal.

Betrayal of the worst kind. Of friends, of destiny...of Albion. Kilgharrah got to his feet, and feeling the anger burning hot inside him, the fury at the young Dragonlord searing through him like molten magma, he roared furiously, setting a column of scorching hot fire into the full moon lit sky.

"MERLIN!"

XX

Mordred climbed out of the boat, curiously absent of a boatman. Apparently, the one who had been here had fled. He had finally arrived on the Isle of the Blessed. Mordred headed into the ruins, ignoring the wyverns that were peering down at him from the battlements. He had been brought here for a reason, enduring the foul creatures attempts to distract him. But now he had made it. An excitement was rising in him. His destiny was at hand.

He first passed a man clad in a green travelling cloak, thick black hair combed back from his head. Mordred ignored him, but noticed as the man began to follow him at a good distance. He climbed the stairs of the temple, and when he came to the overlook, a younger man with a shade darker skin than the other, who sent the other man a look of loathing as he too fell into step behind Mordred. He and his silent followers entered onto the grassy overlook, covered in stone obelisks, with a stone altar table in the middle. Mordred continued, sensing the magic in the air, and lingering around his two followers.

And then he saw them.

A stone throne. Beside it stood a tall man, with long scraggly brown hair, well built, with two swords sheathed on his back. And on the throne itself was a woman, clad in the red dress of a High Priestess. Her hair was pulled back, her legs crossed, her face smiling in delighted malice.

"Welcome Mordred to the Isle of the Blessed. I see you have already met your two teachers, Lord Agravaine and Sir Lancelot. This here is King Cenred of Essetir. And I am the High Priestess Nimueh. And I think you ought to meet Mircéhreohr." She said gloatingly.

Mordred turned to look at the large alcove beside her, and felt a delighted smile coming onto his face. A dragon, massive, black as night, jagged thorny scales covering his body came out of the darkness, growled in pleasure at seeing Mordred, and gave a triumphant roar, before blasting a torrent of vicious looking fire high into the dark night air, while Nimueh, Cenred, Agravaine and Mordred grinned in malicious delight at the sight.

Camelot's fall had begun.

The end!

So that is the second story in the series finished. Madvedor is finished and Camelot is back to normal. But, the truth is revealed. Nimueh is alive once more (but how? you'll see), has allied with Mordred and intends to finish what Morgana was meant to have started. But that isnt all. She has resurrected others to help her in her evil plot, including poor Lancelot. But dont worry, that will prove significant later on.

But worst of all, Mircrehreohr. Another dragon. Where did he come from, why is he here? What is his link to Nimueh?

Speaking of dragons, poor Aithusa would like to know just what his daddy is up to. But oddly enough Kilgharrah doesnt seem too enthused.

But best of all, Merlin and Morgana are now together.

So, what does the future hold? The spy is still in Camelot. Carrigan still wants power. Davros is plotting in the next door kingdom. Kilgharrah is mad. And Nimueh, Mordred and their cohort are preparing for war. But on the bright side, all is going well in Camelot and we have two happy couples on the scene now. But what will happen next?

The next story will be called A Camelot Calamity, and a significant death takes place! But that's a story for another time. Until then, please read and review this one and I hope to be back soon!