~To Truly Know Merlin~

(A/N) Everything is the same in this story except Gwen and Arthur never fell in love. No Arwen! Gwen will only be included in this story as a mere servant. I don't know about the rest of you people, but I never liked Gwen and the only reason I'm including her in this story is because she is in a couple of the memories.

Warning: Some memories may be altered. As you read on you will understand.

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters.

Chapter 1

It was supposed to be a normal hunting trip only it didn't turn out that way as always. The usual gang Arthur, Merlin, Gwaine, Lancelot, Percival, and Leon were on a hunting trip that was peaceful.

"At first…"

Arthur had finally found an animal that didn't run away due to Merlin being a klutz. If only they had known the animal wasn't the only one who had been found.

There was a sorcerer in a dark blue cloak that knocked them out with a spell before they knew he was even there. When all of them woke up they found that they were chained up in the middle of a clearing. The sorcerer was standing over Merlin's body. He smirked evilly and said, "Glad you could make it Merlin." Merlin just rolled his eyes; it was not as if he was given a choice in the matter.

"Who are you and why are you interested in my servant? He hasn't done anything." The sorcerer looked at Arthur smugly and laughed.

"I want something he has. I cannot simply take it from him, and I doubt if I did that anyone could survive its power. He is the only one who could command it. I need him alive, but I don't need the rest of you." Arthur and the knights looked very confused, but Merlin knew exactly what the man was talking about. The man wanted his magic.

"Oh I'm sorry I did not realize that you do not know about Merlin's secret." He turned to see Merlin with a panicked look on his face. "Would you like to tell Arthur who you really are or shall I do the honors because I would love to see his face once he knows the truth." Merlin sighed and finally gave in; he knew this was simply unavoidable.

He slowly turned from the man to look at Arthur and said, "I have magic." Arthur was betrayed and looked very shocked as did the rest of the knights except for one, Lancelot. Merlin wasn't surprised at Arthur's reaction, but Arthur was another story. He was beyond surprised at the moment. Merlin of all people having magic, he was not expecting that. After that Arthur didn't even look at him, Arthur wasn't mad about the magic, he was sad Merlin couldn't find it in his heart to trust him enough to tell him the truth.

Arthur learned magic was not evil but the people who used it. He knew for a fact that Merlin was definitely not evil. He could actually swear on his life that he was correct about Merlin not being evil. Magic was like a herb, while a herb could heal you it could be used to poison you as well. The truth of the matter was it could go either way.

After it had been at least three minutes Merlin was beginning to feel like he was being suffocated. Unlike most people with magic he doesn't need to draw it in, he is his own reservoir. When you put magical chains on him it is like building a dam on this reservoir. When you stop the flow and it keeps building up until only one thing is left to happen, it has to burst.

Merlin was furious; who did this man think he was making him reveal his secret to his friends like that. He looked at the knights, but he was surprised to find they were not angry nor were they looking at him in disgust. Gwaine actually looked kind of pleased at this revelation.

Merlin used his magic to break the magical shackle's hold on him. He pushed on his magic that was already building up inside of him and forced it to go through the chains. Blue and golden wisps of magic came out of Merlin's chest and started slicing at Merlin's chains as if it were some kind of blade. The knights and Arthur were stunned, it was clearly impossible to break out of magical shackles even for the most powerful sorcerers. Merlin did it with ease and he didn't even break a sweat.

Merlin stood up and the golden and blue wisps of magic flew right back into him. His form started to glow a radiant gold and he also straightened his posture. He finally looked like the powerful warlock he really was. The sorcerer stood there gaping like an idiot when he should have been running for his life. Merlin was probably going to kill him and all he could do was stand there with his mouth open. Merlin crossed his arms and smirked at the man.

"Maybe you should know how powerful the person you are imprisoning is or you might just get killed. You felt it didn't you? That is why you want it. I'm sorry to tell you that you cannot have it. It is mine." Merlin said that in a dark and low voice none of them knew he even possessed. Even Lancelot was surprised and that's saying something. The voice Merlin was using could get any man shaking in his boots, even a man hardened by war.

Not that Arthur and the knights would ever admit it, but they were scared of what Merlin would do to this man. The group of men still chained up hadn't had the slightest idea of what the sorcerer would do once he had Merlin's power.

The man snapped out of his shock and stupidly thought he could beat Merlin when they all know Merlin could win if he was able to break out of magical chains. The sorcerer chanted "Forbæne" and threw a fire-ball at Merlin. All Merlin did was put his hand out and turned it so the sorcerer could see the back of his hand and he absorbed the attack once it reached his hand. The man gasped in shock he had only met one person who could do that and it was the High Priestess Nimueh.

The sorcerer sent his most powerful spell at Merlin, when Merlin tried to throw a spell back to stop it, it just sucked it in and added onto it own power. He didn't have enough time to move so the spell hit him and he flew across the clearing. Then he tried to reach for his magic, but he couldn't feel it.

Just when the gang thought Merlin was dead from the sorcerer's spell he leapt up with speed any warrior could only dream of having and just about roared at the sorcerer. "Give it back! I want it back now!"

Arthur and the knights were frightened because Merlin just looked so frantic and infuriated and kept yelling at the guy. The man was stupid enough to say "No" when Merlin looked almost ready to murder him.

Merlin started yelling at him again when he accidentally slipped into dragon tongue. The knights, Arthur, and the evil sorcerer were all startled when all they heard were a string of inhuman growls come from Merlin's mouth. The sorcerer said, "That's not possible all your kind is supposed to be dead!" Merlin realized what he was doing and switched back into English.

"Apparently not, I am the last of my kind." said Merlin not giving any hints to his friends. Arthur and the knights were completely confused, the way Merlin said that was straight out implicating he is not fully human. They were so distracted with their own thoughts they didn't realize an area of the ground near Merlin started to glow blue.

When the sorcerer gasped it caught their attention. A blue light came out of the ground and went hurtling into Merlin who stumbled at the impact and fell to his knees. At this point Arthur wasn't even shocked. There was always something big happening when Merlin was involved. He just about learned to accept it by now, but he'd being lying if he said he wasn't wondering what just happened.

The essence that entered Merlin's body was magic. It then spoke to him. "Emrys do not fret, your magic is still within you nor will it ever be gone. The day magic leaves your body is the day you depart from this life and it is not yet your time. Have faith Emrys, all is not lost." Merlin's head snapped back and his arms shot out at his sides with his fingers spread wide while the presence of the magic was removed from his body. It was truly an amazing sight to behold. His eyes glowed purely whitish-blue so you couldn't even see the whites of his eyes while his fingertips did the same as the magic escaped from his body.

The magic swirled around Merlin's head protectively. He looked up and whispered "Thank you." He turned his attention to the absolutely shocked sorcerer.

He smiled and got up off of his knees. The sorcerer backed up slowly. He knew exactly what it was that entered Merlin's body and was hovering over his head at this moment, he could feel it. "I know what that was; it was the magic of the earth that entered your body. Who are you, what are you? No one should be able to withstand that kind of power. The moment it entered your body it should have incinerated you."

The knights and Arthur wondered if that was true why Merlin was still alive, why was Merlin still here.

The magic that was floating protectively around Merlin's head said in an inhuman voice "This man is no mere mortal, he has power you could not even fathom let alone understand. The moment you created the threat against him was the moment you lost favor in the eyes of the Triple-Goddess."

The group of tied up men were gaping at this new revelation, why in the name of Albion was Merlin so special that the Triple-Goddess herself hated anyone who tried to harm him.

The man gasped practically shaking like a leaf and he turned his head to Merlin in realization. Arthur leaned in closer with the rest of the tied up knights they were really interested and wanted to hear what this guy had to say. The man pointed at Merlin with a very shaky finger. "I know who you are, your Em-" The man never did have a chance to finish his statement.

Merlin quickly waved his hand at the man before he finished revealing his identity. The sorcerer fell flat on his face and Merlin laughed, but then felt a twinge of disapproval coming from the magic–but it served him right for trying to steal his magic-then quickly went to free the very stunned knights and king.

Arthur looked at Merlin ignoring the floating light above his head, he wondered if Merlin could just kill a man and then laugh about it and asked "Did you just kill him and laugh about it?" All Merlin could manage to do was shake his head 'no' he was very worried what Arthur thought of him. Arthur looked at him in slight fear and disgust then Arthur sighed and shook his head in defeat and told Merlin "I know magic is not evil, I know you are not evil. Do not think you have gotten out of this easily. Why didn't you tell me you had magic?!"

Arthur started moving towards him threateningly, but soon realized that was a mistake because the light flew in front of Merlin protecting him from any harm that could possibly come to him. Arthur rolled his eyes and murmured how he really wasn't going to do anything and stepped back.

Merlin scoffed "Are you kidding me! Every time I had the chance to tell you about my magic you went on hour-long rants about the evils of magic! You said it was nothing but pure evil and then you want me to tell you I have it?! You would have thrown me in the dungeons for betraying you."

The knights couldn't defend Arthur against that one because it was true and they were always there to witness it for themselves. The group all saw Merlin in a different light he was more than just a clumsy and sometimes wise servant, he was a very honorable and humble man. He had a heart of gold.

Arthur looked down guiltily; he looked back up at Merlin "Can you at least tell us what you have used your magic for?"

Merlin shook his head "I have a better way, instead of telling you I can just show you. Since it will take a while we should go back to Camelot and call a meeting, but before that let me do something." Merlin turned around and walked towards the sorcerer. His finger started to glow a bright white and he touched the temple of the sorcerer's head.

The knights gave him a questioning look and Merlin shrugged "I cannot have him revealing my identity to the magical community so I wiped his memory clean of this whole encounter. Trust me; it would cause a big problem if they knew who I really was."

Arthur narrowed his eyes in suspicion and asked Merlin, "What was the man about to call you before you knocked him out and erased his memories of us?"

Merlin couldn't seem to meet Arthur's eyes and said "It is not that important." The knights just raised their eyebrows but didn't say anything else about it because it clearly made Merlin uncomfortable. The magic seeped back into the earth once they left. The rest of the trip was very quiet except for the one question Gwaine asked. "What was up with the blue light?"

Merlin chuckled, "I honestly don't know. It just shows up whenever I'm in danger, and it really comes in handy." The king and his knights shook their heads, Merlin was really something else.

They safely made it back to Camelot and Merlin, Arthur, Leon, Lancelot, Percival, Gwaine, and Gaius were all sitting at the Round Table waiting for Merlin to explain himself. Merlin chanted a spell and that's when it all started. They were watching Merlin's past.

The Dragon's Call

Merlin walked through the countryside to Camelot.

Kilgharrah says, "No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny. He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold. Like everyone, he must live and learn. And so it will be for the young warlock arriving at the gates of Camelot. A boy that will, in time, father the legend."

"His name: Merlin."

Gwaine chuckles, "Talk about a dramatic entrance mate." Everybody looked at Gwaine and rolled their eyes but they all agreed with him on that. It was pretty dramatic, but this was Merlin they were talking about what did you expect?

Merlin entered Camelot and Uther addressed a crowd from the balcony in the Square. Uther all but shouts "Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

Gwaine couldn't hide his laugh "I can't believe he calls himself a bloody fair and just king." No one said anything but anyone could tell by the look in their eye that they agreed with Gwaine, aside from Arthur who had a look of indifference on his face. He didn't say anything because that was his father standing up there.

Arthur looked at Merlin with an expression of sympathy "I'm so sorry the first thing you saw when you came to Camelot was an execution."

He shook his head. "It's okay. It wasn't your fault." Arthur was glad to see Merlin actually meant what he said.

Uther gave the hand signal and the man is beheaded. People gasped and some even looked away.

Merlin turned his head he felt really bad that this man died; it was not as if he actually harmed anyone with sorcery. He wasn't surprised the boy's mother wanted justice, but he just wouldn't come about it in the same way as the boy's mother did.

Uther looked at each and every one of them. "When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin.

Lancelot shook his head what man in his right mind would celebrate someone's death. That was a new low even for Uther.

Mary Collins wailed "There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son! And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son."

Uther didn't like what he was hearing and quickly called the guards "Seize her!" Mary quickly grasped her necklace and muttered a spell under her breath and then she disappeared in a whirl of wind and smoke.

Merlin muttered "That's how it all started. She started all of this because she wanted revenge for her son's death. Could you really blame her? Not that I'd do the same thing though." He added that last part when Arthur started looking at him with raised eyebrows. Though Merlin would never say it out loud Arthur's facial expression came nowhere close to the extent of Gaius's 'Eyebrows of Doom' which was much scarier.

Merlin entered the palace and addressed a guard. Merlin asked the guard "Where would I find Gaius, the court physician?"

The guard pointed up the stairs and Merlin walked up the steps and knocked on the open door to the physician's quarters and peaked inside. "Hello?" Merlin called out.

Merlin wandered inside "Hello? Gaius?" He then saw Gaius and cleared his throat. Gaius leaned back on the railing to see who it was and tripped over backwards from the bookshelf stairs and the railing snapped.

Everybody gasps looking wide-eyed at Gaius. They wondered how he could survive a fall like that. Gaius simply points to Merlin as if that answers all the questions asked.

Merlin's eyes glowed and he slowed down time and looked for something Gaius could safely land on. Merlin magically swept a mattress under Gaius before he hit the floor.

Once Gaius landed on the mattress they all sighed in relief. They looked at Merlin thankfully, without him Gaius would have died from that fall. Seeing that everyone was staring at him he started to blush and Gwaine laughed at that and said, "Merlin there's no need to be embarrassed. We are proud of you." If it were possible Merlin only seemed to get redder.

Gwaine asked "Who says we need to teach Merlin how to boast?" Everyone raised their hand except for Arthur which they all stared at.

Arthur said stubbornly "Merlin doesn't need to learn to boast because if he does guess who has to hear about it." He pointed to himself and the rest said they really didn't care what he thought and they continued talking completely ignoring him.

He was just about to start a useless rant on how he was the king and what he says goes when Merlin rudely interrupted him and said "Please watch the memories I'm not showing them twice. There are just too many memories we have to get through." Gaius, Merlin, and Lancelot all shared a knowing look.

The look the three of them shared made everyone else wonder how many times Merlin actually saved Camelot.

Gaius eyed Merlin and asked "What did you just do?" In Merlin's opinion Gaius was yelling at him.

Merlin looked around nervously "Erm..."

"Tell me!" Gaius really wanted to know why some strange boy came into his chambers and started using magic.

Gwaine laughed "Gaius, were you always so aggressive?"

"What would you do if some strange boy came into your chambers and started using magic when it is clearly banned on penalty of death?"

Gwaine shrugged he truly didn't know what he would do about it.

Merlin stuttered nervously afraid of what Gaius would do. He did just see a man executed for the use of magic. "I- I- I have no idea what happened."

"If anyone had seen that..." Gaius warned knowing it was the boy who just preformed magic.

"Er, no, that-that was that was nothing to do with me. That- that was..." Merlin had no idea what to say and kept repeating himself.

"Merlin, how could you have possibly survived in Camelot if you lied so badly?" Leon asked.

Merlin shrugged. "Let's just say I was very lucky."

Gaius snorted. "Merlin you are not that lucky, you almost die every other week trying to protect Arthur."

Merlin rolled his eyes and rudely said "Thanks for your support Gaius." Gaius mercilessly swatted him on the back of the head at his sarcastic remark.

"I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!" Gaius yelled.

"Nowhere." said Merlin who was trying to calm down but was obviously failing.

"So how is it you know magic?" asked Gaius skeptically believing the boy was lying to his face.

"I don't."

"Where did you study? ... Answer me!" Gaius wanted answers now. In all his years of studying magic he has never seen it use without incantations or spells.

Merlin who was still stuttering said "I- I've never studied magic or, or been taught."

"Are you lying to me boy?"

"What do you want me to say?" asked Merlin in exasperation.

"The truth!" yelled Gaius once more.

"I was born like this!"

Once that was said the whole memory paused to give anyone who wanted to say something a chance.

"You… were… born… with… magic?"Arthur said slowly looking him in the eye. Merlin nodded. Arthur still looked confused and turned to Gaius "Is that even possible?"

"In Merlin's case being born with magic was possible. No else in the world was ever born with magic like he was, Merlin is one of a kind. He is a creäture of the Old Religion."

Leon shook his head "What do you mean he is a creäture of the Old Religion, what is his connection to the magical community?"

Gaius simply said "It is not my story to tell, when Merlin wants you to know he will tell you." When Gaius said that everybody at the table felt they were going to die of anticipation. They knew for a fact Merlin wasn't going to tell them anything on his own.

Gaius continued, "Don't ask any more questions you will just have to wait and find out." Gwaine pouted like a little girl at Gaius's non-explanatory explanation. All the while Merlin was snickering at the crestfallen look on everyone's face when Gaius told them they had to wait patiently for the answers to their question.

He resumed the memory.

"That's impossible! Who are you?"

"Oh, erm..." Merlin pulled off his backpack and opened it looking for something. Then he pulled out a letter. "I have this letter.

Merlin handed the letter to Gaius. "I don't have my glasses."

"I'm Merlin."

"Hunith's son?" asks Gaius in a delighted tone.

Merlin yells in relief, "Yes!"

Lancelot shakes his head, "Poor Merlin! Gaius why did you keep yelling at him like that he was just trying to explain himself."

Gaius looked guilty about it and Merlin smirked in satisfaction. He thought it was unfair how they were all laughing at his stuttering.

Gaius looks at him in confusion "But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!"

"It is Wednesday." says Merlin while he looks at him oddly.

Gwaine couldn't help but laugh at that as everyone knew he would. He even started to elbow Percival in the ribs. By the time he was done laughing he was on the floor practically sobbing. They all rolled their eyes because it wasn't that funny. Even Gaius was giving him a dirty look.

Gwaine calmly got off the floor, wiped the tears from his eyes, and then cleared his throat in embarrassment because each and every one of them was staring at him with an annoyed look on their face and Merlin was no exception.

"Ah, right then. You better put your bag in there."

Merlin started walking towards his room when he turned back around to ask, "You- you won't say anything about, erm..."

Gaius looked at him and replied. "No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you."

Merlin looked out his window at the Camelot.

"I'm the King of Camelot and I don't even have a view like that!"

Gaius read the note Merlin gave to him that was from Hunith.

"My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that, if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him. He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe, and may God save you both."

"Wow, I have never heard a mother say she wishes her child wasn't special." says Leon as he shakes his head.

WOODS - NIGHT

Lady Helen's party camped in the woods. Lady Helen was humming to herself when she heard something that startled her. "Hello? Gregory?"

"Lady Helen."

"Is all well?" she inquired.

"Yes, ma'am, with luck, we should reach Camelot late tomorrow."

"That's good."

"I'll be outside if you need me." He reassured her. Gregory goes outside and notices something, he draws his sword.

"Who's there? Who's there?"

Mary snuck into Lady Helen's tent and stabbed the effigy in her hands repeatedly while chanting "Ácwele seo mægþ, Ácwele seo mægþ, Ácwele seo mægþ."

"Why is it showing her? I thought this memory was about you." said Percival in confusion.

"She is in it because she plays an important role in the memory." answered Merlin.

Arthur turns to Merlin and asks what she is saying and Merlin translates for them all. "Kill the maiden. Kill the maiden. Kill the maiden."

They all shivered it was definitely dark magic she was using.

Mary Collins chanted a spell and then transformed into Lady Helen "Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata."

GAIUS' CHAMBERS

Kilgharrah called Merlin while he is asleep.

Merlin…Merlin…

"Merlin why are there weird voices calling you while you are sleeping?" asked Percival.

Merlin smiled "You will have to wait just like I did!" said Merlin in a sing-song voice.

Merlin woke in his new bed chamber and entered the Physician's Chambers. Gaius looks towards and tells him, "I got you water. You didn't wash last night."

Merlin looked at him apologetically. "Sorry."

"Help yourself to breakfast."

Merlin sat down to eat watery porridge. While Gaius discreetly slid around Merlin to stand near the bucket of water.

Gwaine says "Way to go Gaius, I didn't know you had it in you."

Gaius rolled his eyes and called him a couple of curse words in the language of the Old Religion. Merlin being the only one who could understand him gasped in shock and looked at Gaius disapprovingly.

While everyone else thought it was amusing Gwaine was really curious as to what Gaius had said about him. He started pouting again and crossed his arms across his chest. He didn't think it was fair how no one told him anything.

He intentionally knocked the bucket of water off the table. Merlin stood up and stopped it with magic. Gaius gasped and they looked at each other. Merlin let go of the bucket and it dropped.

"In all my years of traveling I have never seen magic used the way you do it Merlin."

Merlin pretended like he didn't hear him and focused on the memory. Gwaine relentlessly called Merlin's name until he paused the memory and looked him in the eye."Just how powerful are you Merlin?" They all sat up in their seats and listened closely, but Merlin wouldn't meet any of their eyes.

Merlin looked him in the eye and said, "It is not really important. I was born with magic and it is still growing. I truly don't know the extent of my powers." They nodded, but they knew Merlin was holding back some important information he just wouldn't admit to.

Gaius scoffed and eyed Merlin, "That is only a modest answer; Merlin is very powerful he might even come close to Morgana." Gaius didn't want them to know Merlin was way above Morgana's level because he knew they would look at him differently. He knew Merlin wanted to be just Merlin to them.

The knights looked at Merlin in awe because they knew Morgana was very powerful then scene resumed.

"How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind?" asked Gaius in disbelief.

"I don't know any spells."

The knights showed looks of disbelief just like past Gaius did, when Gaius intervened again. "Merlin is telling the truth I just didn't realize it then. Merlin's mother never let him learn magic because she was afraid it might have gotten him killed. Just like his father." Gaius muttered the last part about Merlin's father not expecting anyone to hear it.

Except with his luck everyone heard it. They all looked at Gaius in shock. Arthur spoke up and asked the unspoken question everyone wanted to know the answer to because in all their time in Camelot they have never once heard Merlin speak about his father. It was known by all that Merlin never met his father and Hunith-Merlin's mother-never once spoke a word about his father. "You knew Merlin's father?!"

Gaius became deathly pale. He had finally realized that he really messed things up and that this would only cause more trouble for Merlin. "Yes I knew Merlin's father. He used to live in Camelot."

Arthur shook his head in confusion "If he lived in Camelot what was he doing in Ealdor?" Gaius was about to tell him something, but he then realized it was not his story to tell without Merlin's consent so he looked subtly looked over to Merlin-without anyone noticing-for the "okay" to continue.

Merlin gave him a firm nod and Gaius said "He was hiding from Uther, he had magic." As soon as the knights had known Merlin's father had magic they knew where Gaius was going with the story. "Merlin got his magic from his father. Unlike most people who later on develop the potential for magic when they come of age Merlin was using magic right after he was born."

After hearing that Arthur really respected Merlin's mother, Merlin was already a handful without including his magic. She raised Merlin all by herself and she did a good job. Arthur wouldn't say it out loud, but Merlin had a heart of gold just like he thought earlier, but now even more so. He was so kind and would always go out of his way to help anyone in need, not to mention he can always forgive someone no matter what they did as long as they feel the weight of what they have done.

"So what did you do? There must be something."

"It just happens." Merlin got a mop to clear up the spilt water.

"Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I find some paid work for you."

Gaius placed a small pouch and vial of medicine on the table. "Here, Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival," – Percival raised his eyebrows at the name with the rest of the people sitting at the table. "And this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once."

"Okay."

Gaius handed him a plate with a sandwich on it. "And here," Merlin smiled and took the sandwich.

"Off you go. And Merlin! I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed."

Merlin ate his sandwich as he walked down the Physician's Corridor and through the Square to deliver the medicine. He knocked on a door and a squinting old man answered.

"Erm, I brought you your medicine." He says as he held his hand out to give the man his medicine. He then realized the man couldn't see he was holding out the medicine and placed the vial in the old knight's hand.

Sir Olwin popped the cork and started drinking it.

Merlin remembered what Gaius told him and quickly turned around. "Oh, and Gaius said don't drink it all at..."

Sir Olwin finished drinking it. "I'm sure it's fine." said Merlin who smiled awkwardly before hurrying away.

Gaius glares at Merlin and yells. "You were supposed to tell him before you gave it to him." The rest of them sat at the table snickering while Gaius was yelling at Merlin.

"It was not as if it had harmed him, look he is fine!"

"Don't raise your voice at me and that was beside the point Merlin!" scolded Gaius.

EXT. CASTLE WALLS - DAY

Merlin crossed the drawbridge gate into the training grounds, where Arthur's bullying a serving boy, Morris.

This is where me and Arthur meet." says Merlin.

"Where's the target?" Arthur asks obnoxiously. Arthur's gang laughed in the background.

"There, Sir?"

"It's into the sun?"

"But, it's not that bright." Morris replied.

"A bit like you, then?"

In the background you could hear the other knights' laughter.

Gwaine looks at Arthur in disgust. "You understand why I don't like nobles." Lancelot and Percival were also looking at him in disappointment, this was not the king they had come to love and serve.

"I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, Sir?" The serving boy began carrying the target toward the wall.

"Teach him a lesson. Go on, boy." said one of the knights'.

"This'll teach him."

Another knight agreed, "Yeah."

"Haha, teach him a lesson."

Arthur threw a dagger at the target. "Hey! Hang on!" yelled Morris.

"Don't stop!"

Morris took a few steps back. "Here?"

Gwen shook a curtain out at the upper window. "I told you to keep moving!" Arthur threw another dagger at the target. "Come on! Run!" Morris shuffled his feet along trying to carry the large target as Arthur threw more daggers.

"Do you want some moving target practice?" Morris finally dropped the target and it rolled to Merlin's feet. Merlin put a foot on it so Morris can't pick it up.

"Thank you Merlin!" yells Gwaine in relief.

"Hey, come on, that's enough."

"What?"

"You've had your fun, my friend."

"Do I know you?"

"Er, I'm Merlin."

Merlin holds out his hand, which Arthur rudely ignores. "So I don't know you."

"No." says Merlin short and simple.

"Yet you called me "friend"." said Arthur putting the emphasis on friend.

"That was my mistake."

"Yes, I think so."

"Yeah, I'd never have a friend who could be such an ass."

There were a couple of Ooh's from the knights and Gaius raised his eyebrows in amusement.

Merlin started walking away.

Arthur snorted "Or I one who could be so stupid."

"And yet you guys are practically best friend today." added Lancelot. Merlin and Arthur both give him a look that says 'Who asked you.'

Merlin stopped walking.

Gaius turns to Merlin "Merlin why couldn't you just keep walking?" Merlin shrugged.

Gwaine shakes his head, "Gaius he couldn't very well walk away after what Arthur just said."

"Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"

"No."

"Would you like me to help you?"

"I wouldn't if I were you."

Arthur turns to Merlin "Were you threatening me with your magic?"

"It wasn't a threat it was a warning. My magic lashes out when I am in danger and attacks anyone who is causing me harm. As you could see I had no control over it then."

Arthur chuckled "Why? What are you going to do to me?"

"You have no idea."

Arthur looks at Merlin again "As I said before, just warning you."

"Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come ooon."

Merlin took a swing at him and Arthur twisted Merlin's arm behind his back.

"Non-magical defense is not my thing. You all have swords and I have my magic."

A knight says, "Whoa." and Gwen cringed in surprise.

"I'll have you thrown in jail for that."

Merlin says tauntingly "What, who do you think you are, the King?"

"No. I'm his son, Arthur." Arthur took Merlin out at the knees.

DUNGEONS

The Great Dragon's voice woke Merlin in his cell the next morning. "Merlin... Merlin..."

Arthur exclaims impatiently "Oh Gods, who is that!"

Merlin heard it coming from the floor beneath him, so he got up and backed away. "Merlin..."

"It's official Merlin, you have a stalker." uttered Percival in curiosity.

Merlin moved towards the floor and inspected it with his ear to the ground and his butt waving in the air.

Gaius yelled, "Merlin!"

Everyone looks at Gaius in annoyance because he interrupted Merlin and they really wanted to know who was calling him.

Gaius shrugs "If you found him in that ridiculous position would you just sit there and watch or would you say something."

The cell door opened and Gaius stepped in. Gaius sighed, "You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot."

"At least I'm not the only one who says so." Arthur chimed in.

Merlin called him a prat and used his magic to slap Arthur upside the head. Arthur almost jumped over the table to strangle him, but Merlin made him sit down with magic.

"I'm sorry."

"You're lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you released."

"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" yelled Merlin thankfully. Gaius gave him a disapproving look for being so excited. "I won't forget this." vowed Merlin.

"Well, there is a small price to pay."

EXT. LOWER TOWN-DAY

Merlin was in the stocks, being pelted with rotten fruit and vegetables by children. "Oh, no." says Merlin and Gaius laughed.

"Thanks!"

"Merlin why do you look so happy in the stocks?" inquired Leon. Merlin just smiled.

Arthur gave a clever remark trying to get back at Merlin for slapping him "Maybe we should put you there more often if it makes you happy, I would feel so guilty if I was the one stealing your joy." said Arthur as he put his hand over his heart to mock Merlin.

The children left to get more rotten fruits and vegetables and Gwen approached him. "I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid."

"Right, I'm Merlin," He reached his hand further out of the stocks to shake hers. "Although, most people just call me Idiot."

"No, no, no. I saw what you did. It was so brave."

"It was stupid."

"Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him."

Merlin snorted "Oh, I can beat him."

Percival laughs surprising everybody because he is always that quiet type of person, "I just think it is so funny how Merlin can tell the truth so often and none of us even realized it."

"You think, because you don't look like one of these big and muscle-y kind of fellows."

"Thanks." says a put out Merlin.

Gwaine snickered, "Merlin, are you just going to let that girl insult you like that?"

"No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm...Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and...Well..."

Lancelot shook his head at the woman's rambling.

"What?"

"You don't look like that."

The motions for her to move closer and whispers, "I'm in disguise."

"There he did it again."Percival pointed out.

Arthur smiled at Merlin. "You really were weren't you?"

Gwen laughed "Well, it's great you stood up to him.

"What? You think so?" inquired Merlin in a pleased tone.

"Arthur's a bully and everyone thought you were a real hero."

Arthur looked offended, but didn't say anything because it was true.

"Oh yeah?" asks a very pleased Merlin.

Gwen nods "Mm-hmm."

The children approached with more rotten fruits. "Oh, excuse me, Guinevere. My fans are waiting. Gwen left as they started pelting him."

GAIUS' CHAMABERS

Merlin sat down to eat. "Do you want some vegetables with that?"

Merlin snorted "I know you're still angry with me."

"Your mother asked me to look after you."

"Yes."

"What did your mother say to you about your gifts?"

"That I was special."

"You are special, the likes of which I have never seen before."

All of them were watching the memory intently because they knew Gaius was going to say something of great importance.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I saw you do was...elemental, instinctive."

"Wow" said everyone with wide eyes Merlin must be very powerful. They thought his powers might have even rivaled Morgana's even if Gaius didn't say so. If only they knew he was way more powerful than her.

"What's the point if it can't be used?"

"That I do not know. You are a question that has never been posed before, Merlin."

Gaius smiled proudly "Merlin is truly one of a kind."

"Did you ever study magic?"

"Uther banned all such work twenty years ago."

Gwaine laughed "Nice save Gaius, I saw how you avoided that question."

"Why?"

"People used magic for the wrong end at that time. It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons."

"What? All of them?"

"There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it. Now, eat up. When you've finished, I need you to take a preparation to Lady Helen. She needs it for her voice."

LADY HELEN'S GUEST CHAMBERS

Merlin walked up Spiral Stairway across the Balcony Corridor and entered Lady Helen's guest-chamber. He put the potion bottle on the vanity table and noticed an effigy and a spell book. Lady Helen walked across the Balcony Corridor. Merlin heard her coming and put the book down, trying to cover up the evidence that he was snooping.

"Merlin you might as well hold a sign saying you are guilty, you don't look innocent at all." laughed Gaius

"What are you doing in here?"

"Ah...I- I was asked to deliver this." Merlin picked up the potion bottle from the table, Mary's reflection is revealed in the half-covered mirror behind him. Merlin handed her the bottle and he quickly exited the room.

"Merlin did you see her reflection?" asked Lancelot.

Merlin nodded"Yeah, but I thought I was seeing thing so I didn't say anything. I have realized once I see something I should believe it and not shrug it off."

EXT. LOWER TOWN - DAY

Merlin walked across the Square and passed Arthur and his gang as he walked through the Lower Town. "How's your knee-walking coming along?" taunted Arthur.

Merlin kept walking. "Aw, don't run away!"

"I wasn't running I was walking calmly away."

Merlin stopped, "From you?"

Arthur sighed "Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb."

"Look, I've told you you're an ass." Merlin turned to face Arthur. "I just didn't realize you were a royal one. Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?"

"Oh! Go Merlin!" yelled Gwaine.

Arthur laughed "I could take you apart with one blow."

"I could take you apart with less than that."

"It's true!" all the knights yelled together.

"Are you sure?"

Percival nodded "Yes, I think he is pretty sure Arthur."

"Come on, then." "Fight." says the two annoying knights in the background you wish you could just shoot.

Merlin took off his jacket and Arthur laughed. A knight said "...toying with him, then!"

"Here you go." said a knight. One of Arthur's knights handed him a mace, which he tossed at Merlin. Merlin doesn't catch it. He picked it up and Arthur started swinging his mace with ease.

"That a way." Another knight says.

"Come on, then. I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth."

"Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?"

Arthur snorted "You can't address me like that."

Merlin corrected himself "I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" Merlin gave a little bow. Arthur smiled a perturbed grin and started swinging at Merlin.

Everyone sitting at the table had to refrain from laughing while biting back a smile.

"Come on then, Merlin! Come on!"

Arthur backed Merlin into the market stalls and crowd continued to gather. Gaius heard the commotion and looked out the Physician's Chambers' window to see Merlin in trouble again. Merlin fell down.

"Ha-ha. You're in trouble now."

"Oh God." said Merlin as he looked for something to help him. He saw a couple of large hooks and magically entangled them with Arthur's mace. Arthur untangled it and attacked again. Merlin moved a box and Arthur stepped into it, barking his shin.

"Hey you used magic!"

Well of course I did Arthur! You have your weapons and I have mine and if I didn't you would have killed me. My weapon just happens to be magic." The knights couldn't help but smirk because they knew Merlin could totally kick Arthur's butt with magic.

"OW! Argh!" yelled Arthur and pursued him again; Merlin tightened a rope on the ground, tripping Arthur. Merlin picked up the mace and started swinging it at Arthur.

*Cough* Gwaine had to cough in order to stop himself from laughing at Arthur. Arthur was scowling at him he knew Gwaine wanted to laugh. Each and every one of them jumped up in their seat because Leon who is usually serious was laughing like he had lost his doggone mind.

"Do you want to give up?"

Arthur all but laughed, "To you?"

"Do you? Do you want to give up?" Arthur backed up, catching his foot in a bucket and falling over backwards. Merlin, thrilled by his victory, spotted Gaius in the crowd and paused.

The knights all said in unison like it was programmed into them "Never take your eye off your opponent."

Arthur attacked him from behind with a broom, knocking him to the ground. The guards began to pick Merlin up. "Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."

Gwaine screamed, "Oh! Oh! I know the answer! He has magic."

They all said at the same time, "No kidding Gwaine, we have already established that." Gwaine shrugged.

GAIUS' CHAMBERS - DAY

Gaius screamed "How could you be so foolish?!"

"He needed to be taught a lesson."

"Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not for idiotic pranks!"

"What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!"

"Then, by now, you should know how to control yourself!"

"I don't want to! If I can't use magic, what have I got?! I'm just a nobody and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die."

Gwaine gasped in shock "Merlin you will never be a nobody to us with or without magic." Merlin blushed at the sincerity in his voice and the nods of agreement from the rest of the knights.

He then got nervous because in this specific memory he asks if he is a monster and he knows his friends won't respond well to that.

Merlin went to his bed chamber. Gaius entered Merlin's chamber with a medical basket. Gaius sighed, "Merlin? Sit up. Take your shirt off." Merlin removed his shirt, revealing bruises.

Arthur swallowed nervously not because of the bruises but because the knights, Gaius, and Merlin were all sending him dirty looks and glares.

"You don't know why I was born like this, do you?"

"No." replied Gaius while he tended to Merlin's wounds

"I'm not a monster, am I?"

"Merlin I meant it. You could never be a monster. I have lived a long life and in all my time I have never met someone as pure of heart as you are." Once Merlin saw all of his friends agree he felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off of his shoulders. He finally felt like he could be himself.

Gaius looked Merlin in the eye. "Don't ever think that."

"Yeah you tell him Gaius!" screamed Gwaine.

"Then why am I like this? Please, I need to know why."

"Maybe there's someone with more knowledge than me."

"If you can't tell me, no one can."

"Only I was wrong there was someone who could tell me exactly what my magic was for."

Arthur thought it had to do with the voice continuously calling Merlin's name.

Gaius poured potion into a tiny cup. "Take this. It will help with the pain."

After past Gaius said the potion will help with the pain, Gwaine gave Arthur another dirty look as well as the rest of the people sitting at the table.

COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT

Uther dined with Lady Helen in the Council Chamber. "Will you sing for me tonight?"

"You will have to wait, Sire."

"You will not deny me." Uther stubbornly declared.

"I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow. Will everyone be there?"

"Who would dare to miss it?" said Uther who was confident that everyone would show up.

Lady Helen asked eagerly, "How about your son?"

Leon pointed out the way she looked "She looks a little too eager don't you think? I wonder how Uther didn't notice that."

Arthur nodded his head in agreement with the rest of the people in the room.

"Well..." he trailed off.

"It seems a shame not to have met him."

"That's Arthur."

"Poor child." says Lady Helen with fake sympathy

"Hmm?" asked Uther because he didn't hear what Lady Helen said.

"Poor child." she repeats herself. "It can't have been easy to grow up without a mother."

"No." said Uther sadly.

"Hmm." agrees Lady Helen "That bond between mother and son, it's so hard to replace."

"Hasn't been easy." admitted Uther

"I'm sure." She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Perhaps if you found someone...If you remarried. She laughed. I'm sure you'd have the pick of any maiden in the kingdom."

"Well, perhaps I'll find love again. But I'm afraid it's too late to replace Arthur's mother."

"Yes. It's certainly too late for Arthur."

Gwaine yells "How did he bloody miss that?! She clearly said that in an evil tone you could not miss! She is clearly admitting she was going to kill him, I mean really!

Merlin laughs at Gwaine's exasperation. "Gwaine calm down and there is no need to swear it is just a memory."

GAIUS' CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Merlin lied awake in his bed. "Merlin... Merlin..." Merlin got out of bed and snuck out of the Gaius' Chambers. Merlin crossed the Square.

"Merlin..."

Merlin descended the Wrought Iron Stairway and distracted a pair of guards by rolling their dice away from them. He grabbed a torch, lit it, and headed down the Tunnel Stairway.

Leon snorts "Well that explains why the people in the dungeons can escape so easily."

"Merlin... Merlin..." Kilgharrah says Merlin's name once more Merlin as Merlin entered the Dragon's Cave.

Merlin looks around for the owner of the voice. "Where are you?" The Great Dragon flies to land in front of Merlin.

"Merlin you were consorting with that dragon weren't you? He killed so many people Merlin." Arthur looked at Merlin accusingly.

"Arthur how could you? After all we have been through you think I wanted him to destroy Camelot. He is upset about being imprisoned for over twenty years and your father has killed his family. He wanted revenge, but you're right it does not justify his actions."

"Merlin would you like to tell us why you are speaking about the dragon like he is still alive?" asked Percival

Merlin rubbed the back of his neck nervously and said "Because he is still alive?" At this point Gwaine had to hold Arthur down in his seat so he wouldn't hurt Merlin.

Gaius scolded Arthur "Arthur sit down. Merlin only freed the dragon because he had no choice; it was the only way to save Camelot."

Kilgharrah says, "I'm here! How small you are for such a great destiny."

"Why do these people keep talking about destiny?" asked a very confused Arthur. Merlin just ignored him and watched the memory intently.

Merlin inquired, "Why? What do you mean? What destiny?"

"Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason."

"So there is a reason." What the dragon said had completely peaked Merlin's interest.

Gwaine muttered to himself, "Well dragon, are you going to tell us the reason for his powers?"

"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion."

"I am what?"

Merlin said, "You are a king prophesied throughout time to one day rise and unite the land of Albion by bringing magic back to the land." After Merlin's little speech Arthur was rendered speechless.

"Right." said Merlin not quite believing what he was hearing.

"But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike." continued Kilgharrah.

"I don't see what this has to do with me."

Kilgharrah said "Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion."

"Great!" said an exasperated Arthur, "I would have never made it this far if it wasn't for Merlin. It is not exactly my fault that the Pendragons' are not loved by the magical community."

"No. No, you've got this wrong."

"There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't."

"Here I was thinking this dragon actually wanted to help you, it turns out I was wrong this dragon is nothing but trouble. If he keeps telling riddles like that it is going to get us all killed because we won't be able to understand him." spoke Gwaine in an amused tone.

"But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand."

Arthur screamed "Oi!"

Kilgharrah laughed "None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it."

"No. No way. No. No. There must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot."

"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that."

Kilgharrah flew off. "Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I- I need to know more!" yelled Merlin in desperation.

MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY

Merlin walked through the Griffin Landing and up some curved steps to Morgana's Chambers. Merlin entered the open door and stared at Morgana as she walked behind her changing screen.

"You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?"

Merlin paused uncertainly before fetching the dress, then Morgana began undressing.

"I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the King's ward, doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?" Merlin placed the gown on the screen.

"Merlin you were standing right there and you let her talk about me like that? To think you just said you had my back." said the indignant King.

"Well, does it?"

"Mm-hmm." says Merlin in a high-pitched voice while shaking his head.

Gaius looks at Merlin while shaking his head. "Merlin it is clearly beyond me how you get yourself into these types of situations."

The knights had no idea what Gaius had just said because they were too busy laughing at Merlin. Merlin mumbled in embarrassment with his head down "We can just skip this part it is not that important."

LADY HELEN'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT

The serving girl, Bronwen, brought a bowl of fruit to Lady Helen's guest chambers and knocked. Mary (Lady Helen) opened the door.

"Lady Helen." She curtsied, "Compliments of the King."

"Come in."

Helen sat at her vanity table and picked up an apple.

"So sweet, how will I ever repay him?"

"When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough won't it? I'm really looking forward to the performance."

"So am I."

Merlin chuckled "I'm sure she is."

"I love singing, you know. I sing all the time. My betrothed says I have the voice of a fallen angel." Bronwen removed the cloth over the mirror and saw Mary Collins's reflection. She then tried to leave, but Mary grabbed her arm and drained the life from her.

Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, and the knights all shivered in disgust from the use of dark magic. Merlin sighed sadly, "Now we know what happened to that girl. We found her body but never knew what happened to her."

BANQUET HALL - DAY

The court members gathered in the Banquet Hall. Gaius and Merlin then entered and Merlin saw Arthur joking with his mates.

"...Merlin...they laughed...so I stood up and..." Arthur feints a punch into one of his mate's stomach. They laughed again and Arthur turned and did a double take as Morgana walked into his line of sight and all the men stared.

The offended manservant said "Arthur, that story was a lie and you know it."

"God have mercy." said Arthur with his mouth wide open ready to drool. Merlin also stared at Morgana as she passed him.

Gwaine snickered and said "For shame Arthur, your own sister!" Arthur glared at Gwaine threateningly because Gwaine knew Arthur didn't know she was his sister yet.

"Merlin, remember, you're here to work."

"Oh, yeah." said while coming out of his trance.

Percival patted Merlin on the shoulder "You seem a little forgetful there isn't that right Merlin?"

Merlin continued to stare at Morgana as Arthur approached to talk to her. Gwen slid up next to Merlin.

Gwaine bumped shoulders with Merlin purposely and whispered "Merlin I think that girl has a crush on you."

"Morgana, you look well..." said Arthur.

Gwen looked very proud "She looks great, doesn't she?"

Merlin breathlessly agreed "Yeah."

"Some people are just born to be queen."

"No!" Merlin screamed.

Everyone outside the memory screamed as well except for Leon who told Merlin"I'm glad you agree with us past and present."

"I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?"

Arthur scoffed "Please people should be begging to marry me. I am a very handsome King wouldn't you agree."

Merlin couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Arthur, what you just did was exactly why women wouldn't want to marry you. I don't think anyone would want to marry a prat like you."

"Oh," Merlin chuckled. "Come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men."

"No, I like much more ordinary men like you."

"Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary."

"No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you."

"Thanks." They turned away from each other awkwardly.

Percival laughed. "Merlin, don't be like that. I think it is pretty funny when she is flustered."

"Of course you do because you're not the one she is insulting when she is all flustered." Merlin rolled his eyes at Percival looked back to the memory.

LADY HELEN'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT

Mary (Helen) hummed at her vanity table before leaving the room, walking past Bronwen's corpse. The celebratory horns signaled King Uther's entrance and everyone found their place at the tables.

Uther was in front of the crowd and said his speech, "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom, and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."

The crowd of people clapped and the music began, Uther and the court took their seats.

Lady Helen sings.

Merlin translates for everyone sitting in the room. "Lovely night has come to us, lovely night, soft and dark; the lovely night that ends a long and hard, weary day; so rest…Lay your body down, forget your life. Spiders of the night come spin your silky webs. Spiders of the night come, bind them in their sleep. Now, spiders of the night spin, wrapped in your shroud, dead to the world…just like my son: dead; dead; dead; DEAD!"

"That's a pretty violent ending for a song." said Gwaine who was trying to lighten the mood

The court members began nodding off to sleep. Merlin noticed and pressed his hands over his ears. Cobwebs began forming over the enchanted sleepers. Merlin noticed her staring at Arthur as she walked forward and she pulled a dagger from her sleeve. Merlin looked around frantically and magically dropped the chandelier on her as she raised her arm to throw the dagger at Arthur.

The court members woke and pulled the cobwebs off, muttering. Uther and Arthur stood up to see Mary Collins lying on the floor underneath the chandelier. Mary raised herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. Merlin slowed down time to reach Arthur and pulled him out of harm's way. The dagger sliced into Arthur's chair as they fell to the floor. Mary died, Uther and Arthur both stare at Merlin.

"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." said Uther gratefully.

"Oh, well..."

"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded."

"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness."

"No, absolutely, this merits something quite special."

"Well..."

"You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant."

The court applauded. Arthur gasped, "Father!" Gwen claps with a pitying smile on her face. Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily.

Merlin stands up and dramatically states, "Here lies the moment when destiny began, the day I became the prat's manservant, on to the next memory!"

(A/N) I will skip some episodes that I don't think are that important. The next episode will be The Mark of Nimueh. Please PM me if you have any idea what I should call the mystical light at the beginning of the story. Just so you know the light is magic and it isn't male or female. If you have any ideas don't hesitate to tell me!