The cave was beautiful. Its walls were shining in all possible colours. The roof of the cave was covered with green vines that made it look majestic. One could forget all about his troubles just watching the lights dancing in the cave.

That is, if one knew he could get out of it. Merlin and Arthur didn't have such privilege. They had gone in the cave willingly, following the extraordinary deer that they, actually, Arthur, were hunting. However, as soon as they had gone in it, they heard a loud crash and, looking back, saw that the entrance had collapsed. They had no way out and started to explore the cave.

Going further in the cave they saw the deer. It looked as if it had waited for them. Suddenly the deer vanished. With it went Arthur's crossbow, which he had taken with him in the pursuit of the deer. Arthur and Merlin looked at each other in confusion. Merlin silently steeled himself to defend Arthur for any possible attack.

"There is no need for that, young man; I do not wish to harm your friend. All I wish for is to help strengthen the bond between you." The voice seemed to come from the walls of the cave, but there was no one there. Merlin visibly relaxed, there seemed to be no danger to Arthur.

"Who are you? Why have you trapped us in this cave?" Arthur asked feeling helpless without his sword. He wished he had taken it with him, not left at the horses by the cave. He had thought then that this would be an ordinary hunt. Arthur could not have been any more wrong.

"My identity is of no importance. What is important is what is and what must come to be."

Merlin laughed at the comment, the voice reminded him of an old friend who also liked to avoid answering questions.

"This cave contains ancient magic." Arthur stiffened at the mention of magic. The voice continued "It will not harm you. But it will affect you." Arthur looked confused, magic was evil; how can this magic affect them without harming them?

"I see you are confused, Arthur Pendragon. Have no worries, the magic will have no effect on you physically. This is the Cave of Verities. It permits no falsehoods to be uttered. You have been brought here by destiny, for your destiny can only be if you are truthful."

Merlin was getting nervous. This could not be. It was not the time. Arthur thought magic was evil. He had to get them out of here. Destiny didn't want Arthur to kill him, did it? This was just like his nightmares – Arthur would find out, Merlin would have nowhere to run and the results would be disastrous. "This is going to be horrible," he thought.

Arthur registered Merlin's nervousness and thought that maybe this would not be so bad. His servant obviously had something he wanted to hide. And there had been many times when Arthur could have sworn that Merlin had lied to him. He just hadn't been able to get the servant to tell the truth. Now was his chance to once and for all solve the puzzle that is Merlin. "This may turn out to be great," Arthur thought.

"The magic in the cave will feel when the truth that has to be known has been revealed. Then, and only then, will the passage to freedom appear. But be warned, the path of freedom requires both of you to walk it. Consider your questions and answers carefully, for you may reveal some truths that are best left hidden. Now I leave you, for my part is done, it is yours that must begin now."

With that the voice faded out and Arthur and Merlin were left looking at each other in silence. One – eager to question and the other – scared to answer.