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Chapter Text

Arthur couldn't believe what just happened.

Uther had lied to him before. Then Morgana had collaborated with Morgause and Cenred against Uther and Arthur himself, and finally Agravaine had revealed himself to be a traitor. 

And now Merlin too.

Emrys, as Agravaine had called him, a name that didn't confuse Merlin at all.

Sorcerer.

Merlin had magic. Merlin had betrayed him.

"Arthur?" 

The king looked at Merlin, his gaze turning to ice and fire. “Have you been lying to me this whole time?”

"Arthur, I…" Merlin, the sorcerer , tried to speak, but Arthur cut him off.

He had learned a lesson from his father. 

Never trust a sorcerer.

His sword was drawn and pointed at Merlin. "You have no right to speak to me, traitor ."

Arthur had seen Merlin hurt many times during their life together.

But he had never seen him turn to stone like he did now .

"Are you pointing the sword I've cared for, polished, and cleaned at me? You won't even let me speak, Arthur?"

"You don't deserve to talk. And if I were to even see you..." 

Arthur couldn't finish his sentence.

Merlin growled, and Arthur took a step back. 

"You really look like Uther , Arthur." Merlin growled, his eyes turning gold, "and since I don't have to protect myself from you, I can go do what I should have done all along."

"And that would be?" Arthur asked, destabilised. The comparison with his father was unexpected. 

Merlin had made it clear what he thought of Uther many times and to be compared to him in that moment… it wasn't what Arthur would have expected.

"Save my family and the people I love." Merlin replied. 

Then, his servant turned and walked back the way they had entered, back towards Ealdor. 

“Wait, where are you going?” Arthur asked. 

He hated Merlin for lying to him. But he wasn't going to hand him to Morgana on a silver platter.

Arthur wasn't that cruel.

The man ignored him, sowing it between the curves of the cave and leaving him there wondering when everything had gone to pieces.

Why had Merlin allowed himself to be corrupted by magic? He had to know how dangerous she was.

They had both seen how dangerous she was.

Arthur swallowed.

What would he say to Ginevra now ?

With a sigh, he turned and decided to walk back to the rest of the group, wondering why he would ever look for Merlin in the first place.

He was a traitor now, Arthur thought, that he went together with the other traitors.

***

Merlin was furious.

How dare he treat him like that? After all he had lost in Arthur's name?

A growl made its way into Merlin's throat.

Never again, he promised himself, he would never allow anyone to control him again.

When he reached Arthur's chambers, he wasn't really surprised to see Morgana sitting there occupying them.

“I would tell you I'm sorry about Agravaine, but we both know you didn't really care about him.”

Morgana turned, surprised before looking enraged. " You !" Then, a ferocious growl as she spoke. “Have you come to beg for Camelot? What makes you think I would spare you, Merlin?”

“I came to tell you why I did it.” Merlin said instead. “It occurred to me that we were fighting for two different sides, but that we were never honest with each other.”

“What are you talking about, Merlin?” Morgana asked, eyeing Merlin carefully and suspiciously.

“You see, Morgana,” Merlin said, “do you remember the sleeping curse? You were the only one who didn't sleep, didn't you ever wonder why ?”

“My magic kept me safe.” Morgana responded quickly.

"Plausible." Merlin murmured. “Then why would I poison you?”

“Because you hate those who have magic!” Morgana exclaimed. “Like everyone else here!”

“That's what Morgause told you, right?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow at her. “And how did she save you?”

“My sister was a very powerful witch, a Priestess of the Ancient Religion!” Morgana stood to her full height, glaring at Merlin with disgust and anger. “There is no limit to her powers.”

“Well, I can't agree with that, I remember contributing to her inevitable death at that point.” Merlin shook his head. “Morgause had cursed you, Morgana, to put everyone around yo u to sleep. It would have allowed her to enter Camelot and kill the knights and Uther rather easily. And I had to poison you to lift the curse and I convinced Morgause to lift her spell that kept the knights of Medhir alive in exchange for the antidote for the poison I used."

“Morgause said it was my magic that kept me awake.” Morgana hissed. “Prove to me she was lying.”

“You remember I was going to sleep, right?” Merlin asked, tilting his head.

"Yes, and?" Then Morgana looked betrayed. “Did you have magic? You have magic and you didn't tell me?”

“I wanted to do it.” Merlin murmured. “Gaius told me not to do it and I… Morgana, I've been scared my whole life .”

“Your whole life?” Morgana repeated, tilting her head. “I… were you born with magic?”

“I'm Emrys , Morgana.” Merlin told her. “And here and now,” he added, seeing her frightened expression, “I swear I wil l never hurt you again .”

"Why?" Morgana asked warily, watching Merlin as if he might attack her at any moment. “Why leave Arthur?”

“I thought he was better than Uther.” Merlin looked down, swallowing. “I… I really meant it, Morgana, please believe me. I… thought he knew that not all sorcerers were evil. He helped us with Mordred, didn't he? He ignored the fact that Will was a warlock, even though he obviously wasn't. I… I just saw that he was giving a chance to prove that we are good to everyone, magic or no magic, and I saw that there was something more than Uther. How he was willing to risk his life for me and for Gwen, for example.”

“Did he see you use magic?” Morgana deduced.

“He called me a traitor .” Merlin whispered, clutching the torso with arms. “And he threatened me with his sword.”

Morgana approached Merlin, and Merlin felt her arms around the boy's shoulders.

"I understand." Morgana whispered to him. “I didn't betray Arthur because of what you did, Merlin. And, despite all Morgause's promises and words, I never managed to kill you. I didn't want to kill you."

Merlin dropped his head into the crook of Morgana's neck, letting her hands soothe him as they were dragged thoughtfully and tenderly through Merlin's hair.

“I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to me.” Morgana said. “And I don't know how long it will take for me to trust you again, but… I will, at some point.”

“I'll be here as long as you need.” Merlin said. “Whatever you need, Morgana.”

And, with a smile exchanged and a promise to keep, Merlin felt a spark of hope to return alive.

Chapter Text

The hope that Merlin had felt the day before, Morgana had felt too. 

Taking Camelot had just seemed so much easier, with Merlin by his side.

Then, obviously , Merlin had proven that he wasn't entirely on Morgana's side.

“Arthur threw you away like an old rag, and you still want to defend him?” Morgana screamed at Merlin, feeling betrayed. “How can you even consider that?”

“Morgana, this isn't about Arthur!” Merlin replied, speaking seriously and confidently, not backing down, as he never had with Morgana.

“It's always about Arthur!” Morgana exclaimed. “He will always be your favourite!”

" No !" Merlin exclaimed.

Morgana gasped as the lights flickered.

Sometimes she forgot that Merlin wasn't like her, that he was stronger .

It made her feel in danger.

“Morgana, put the damn knife down, please .” Merlin's voice was suddenly tired, hurt . “I have no intention of hurting you or fighting you. And I have no intention of fighting Arthur 's battles, ever again . Like you said, he threw me away. He can find out for himself how good he is without me there to fight.”

Morgana felt her arms relax. “I have a right to Camelot. It is also my legacy.”

“I can agree that you are an heir to Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “Uther was your father, but do not take his inheritance.”

“Excuse me, what did you say?” Morgana stared at him coldly. “Did you just compare me to Uther ?”

"Yes. Because you are oppressing the inhabitants of Camelot. And they will use it against magic in the future.” Merlin said. “We can't give them a chance to blame us.”

Morgana stopped. “They will use this against us. You want to use it against them . How?"

“I know with certainty that there are very specific difficulties. Let's fix the situation for the common people, using magic . We treat the wounded, fix the houses, the crops, everything. Then, let's go. Away from here, away from Camelot. We travel the kingdoms of Albion, proving that magic is good.”

“Do you want to fight against an entire prejudice ?” Morgana felt intrigued, enterprising. He felt like the first time he met Merlin. “But… I'm wanted. They will kill me."

“And we will defend ourselves, without killing .” Merlin replied. “We will spread another truth, our truth to anyone who will listen to us. The people will do the rest for us. We can find allies, Morgana.”

Morgana raised her chin. “I want a throne.”

Merlin smiled at her amusedly. “And you will have your throne, my queen.”

My queen . Morgana loved the sound of that.

****

Merlin had decided to take a trip to the dungeons before leaving.

He knew that Gaius had stayed behind, and Morgana had admitted that he, Elyan, and Gwaine were in the dungeon.

Gaius and Elyan were also injured, Morgana had added, and Gwaine had had to fight in the arena to earn food.

Merlin hadn't been too happy to hear that, but at least she was letting him go down with knowledge of the damage and permission to heal them.

Fictitious permission . Morgana had been well aware of Merlin's intention as soon as she had described their conditions.

“ Merlin! ” Gwaine saw him first.

He was also the only one awake.

Merlin breathed a sigh of relief. Elyan's treatments were quite painful. It was better that the young man was unconscious while Merlin used magic on him.

“Gwaine, hi.” Merlin greeted him calmly, unsure of how he would be received.

“I didn't hear the alarm bells.” Gwaine murmured. “And the guards are watching you from there. Merlin, what happened?"

“I have magic.” Merlin confessed. “And I joined Morgana.”

“What did Arthur do?”

Merlin loved that Gwaine's first question wasn't a reaction of betrayal, a rancorous scream, but pure and absolute loyalty to Merlin.

The only other person who would have reacted like this was Lancelot .

“He found out I had magic and threatened me with Excalibur.” Merlin said. “I'll also have to figure out how to make the sword harmless, now that I think about it. He does not deserve to wield the sword that Kilgharrah forged. Not when he's like Uther .”

“Is Kilgharrah a friend of yours?” Gwaine asked, frowning.

“He's a relative of mine.” Merlin confessed. “A dragon.”

“You're a dragon lord, then.” Gwaine deduced, surprising Merlin.

“How do you know?” Merlin asked, incredulous and curious.

“I wasn't born here, Merls.” Gwaine smiled. “I know a lot more about magic than most. But… Morgana? She's cruel , man."

“She wasn't and she won't be.” Merlin promised. “I can be the light to her darkness, if she lets me. We will find a kingdom for all magical creatures, to protect them. And we will show everyone that magic is not to be feared.”

"How? By conquering kingdoms and subjugating peoples?” Gwaine asked sceptically.

"No." Merlin shook his head, smiling slightly. “No, proving that we can heal, build and improve people's lives using magic, as it once was.”

Gwaine nodded. “You are leaving Camelot, aren't you?”

“After we treat the wounded, fix some things that were wrong from before Morgana attacked, and help with the people's crops.” Merlin confirmed.

“I want to come with you.” Gwaine offered. “They will take your word much more seriously if they see me with you too, Merls. Please."

“Gwaine…”

“Arthur is not a king I want to serve, Merlin.” Gwaine said. “Not if he kicked you out.”

Merlin smiled. “I’m glad that I can atleast count on you.”

“And you can always do it.” Gwaine promised as the door to his cell opened.

****

Morgana wasn't even surprised to see Gwaine following Merlin.

She had imagined that Merlin would confide everything in his friends, being the real reason he had gone first thing after sorting out their situation.

“I thought Gaius and Elyan would join us too.” Morgana commented, smiling ironically.

“You thought wrong, Morgana.” Merlin replied calmly. 

Morgana glanced at Gwaine, thinking about how he had fought to feed Gaius.

“And you're coming with us, why ? I didn't think I was one of your favourite people." Morgana asked, demanded to know.

Would Gwaine betray them? Would Gwaine have stabbed her in the back?

“Arthur isn't either, but Merlin is definitely my favourite in the world, with or without magic.” Gwaine shrugged. “He's already been screwed by a Pendragon, I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Morgana nodded.

She could accept it.

"Let's go." She then said, “I've gathered the supplies needed to heal some wounds, and we can simply use magic for the materials.”

Merlin nodded. “After you, my queen.”

Morgana, raising her head, preceded the couple into the corridor.

***

Merlin had a hand on her arm.

Morgana was trying to understand when she had allowed contact, although perhaps the hug after Merlin's confession had given that impression.

But… Merlin was touching her, and it felt good .

Morgana couldn't remember the last time a friendly hand had touched her, without malicious intent, without manipulative intent.

A simple contact.

“What do you have?” Merlin asked softly to the girl lying before them. “I don't see anything, but I feel you are in pain.”

“I woke up in agony.” The girl whispered, a painful expression on her face.

Merlin frowned, before saying. “We can't cure him, but we know someone who could.”

Morgana blinked, confused, before hearing Merlin's voice grow hoarse, more guttural, deeper, older.

And, shortly after, a small white dragon landed on the window, then glided up to Merlin.

Merlin's expression softened. “Aithusa. How are you, baby?"

Morgana stared at the dragon in ecstasy, but she wasn't the only one. Gwaine, and even the girl, looked like they had been struck by lightning.

“It's beautiful!” The girl murmured.

Aithusa chirped, landing next to the girl and sniffing at her in confusion. Tilting its head, then, the dragon blew a jet of air, probably hot, on the girl.

Morgana watched as the skin regained colour and the girl took a deep breath.

“I feel… great.” The girl murmured, shocked.

Aithusa chirped, playfully poking the girl's side, before flying to Merlin's shoulder.

"Thank you. To all of you.” The girl then said, looking adoringly at Morgana, Merlin, Gwaine and even the dragon.

“You don't have to thank us.” Morgana said softly. “Helping you see the truth about magic was all I ever wanted to do. I'm sorry I didn't understand how sooner .”

“It's not your fault.” The girl murmured. “You've changed your mind. You helped us. I was sick long before your attack. Nobody helped me."

Merlin gasped, and the girl smiled at him. “It's not even your fault, Merlin. A dragon cured me. Don't blame yourself."

“I'm sorry though, Laila.” Merlin whispered. “I should have done better.”

Morgana had the impression that Merlin wasn't just talking about Laila.

Maybe it was a pain he had been carrying with him for years .

Morgana had her burdens, Merlin had his.

****

When they left, Morgana, Merlin and Gwaine were well aware that they would be attacked and hunted.

They were well aware that they would have a target on their heads.

But seeing the expression on the faces of those who had been helped, seeing their joy…

That was enough.

Chapter Text

Gwaine didn't know why he expected anything different. 

Morgana had however been the same person who had conquered an entire kingdom, terrorised people, made sacrifices, all just so she could put a crown on her head and proclaim that she was the queen of Camelot.

Morgana was the person Merlin had admired and cared about for a long time, a time when Gwaine still didn't know the boy, but he saw it in the way they interacted.

And, seeing the way they interacted, Gwaine realised how young Merlin actually was.

In Camelot, Gwaine had known him already worried, the lines distorting his otherwise youthful face, a worry that was bigger than two bandits seeking revenge.

And Gwaine hadn't even known it.

Now, however…

Seeing him prepare the camp with magic, create food for them using magic… Merlin seemed younger, more alive .

A light that had long since abandoned his eyes returned stronger than before.

“So, what's the master plan?” Gwaine asked, speaking up after everyone had finished eating.

“Fixing the perception of magic.” Morgana replied dryly. “It might take a while.”

“We must begin to right old wrongs and reveal the truth behind Uther's war against magic.” Merlin said, speaking seriously.

Not only did he look younger, Gwaine noticed, Merlin was also much more confident .

Gwaine had never known about all the times Arthur had threatened him with exile .

And Merlin had stayed , to protect an ingrate, at the cost of his life .

And given the way Arthur had reacted as soon as he found out, Gwaine didn't even judge him too harshly for not simply trusting Gwaine.

Gwaine should have realised this and confronted his friend about it.

It would have been the best thing to do.

The right thing to do.

The thing Lancelot would have done.

“The truth behind the Great Purge?” Morgana repeated, surprised. “I thought it was just Uther realising he couldn't control magic. I didn't know there was a reason."

“There's a reason.” Merlin took a deep breath. “Ygraine was sterile. Nimueh used the Cup of Life, I assume, to allow her to have a child.”

“Ygraine died during childbirth.” Morgana murmured. “And Arthur was pretty lucky before he met you. Certain episodes… protection given by the greatest sacrifice.”

“I guess it would have been better if Nimueh had chosen the victim, and taken the person who wanted an heir so badly .” Merlin replied dryly. “Or that she hadn't accepted at all.”

“Did Uther know the risks of such magic?” Morgana asked. “Did he know about the life that would be taken?”

"Yes." Merlin nodded. “When I went to exchange my life for Arthur's, when he was bitten by the beast… she warned me that a life had to be taken. She tried to get revenge for Gaius' inactions, I suppose, and that's why she went through my mother."

“She couldn't have killed you anyway.” Morgana warned him. “You are Emrys, Morgause told me about your role. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk this earth.”

“So my soul cannot be used by Nimueh?” Merlin asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Morgana snorted, seeming impressed by how little Merlin knew. “So, no one can use your soul. I guess that's why the Fomorroh failed. I am not powerful enough to force you to my will.”

“Don't fool yourself, I was very tempted to kill Arthur.” Merlin replied dryly, a trickle of resentment and anger slipping into his voice.

Gwaine didn't judge him.

Merlin had been faithful for years, years of absolute, blind loyalty , helping Arthur where his family never had, in a way that surpassed even Leon and Gwen, or any of the other knights.

And Arthur had repaid him with a sword to his throat .

Gwaine didn't think he would have any problem stabbing Arthur the next time they saw each other.

Not even Morgana, judging by the spark of anger in her eyes.

“I guess it would have been more effective now .” Morgana commented, a lightness in her voice that didn't match the fire in her eyes. “How do we get started?”

Merlin pursed his lips, before saying. “Between you and me, we should have enough power to fix a love curse, shouldn't we?”

"Yes." Morgana said calmly. “True love's kiss is one way , but there are many others.”

“And Kilgharrah never told me.” Merlin snorted. “I wonder if it was a way to control my future choices regarding Gwen and Arthur. I really outdid myself in trying to bring them together, just for their destiny .”

“Yes, I won't apologise for intruding.” Morgana shrugged. “I did what I had to do.”

“ Lancelot didn't deserve to have his name tarnished.” Merlin murmured. “He didn't deserve it.”

Gwaine gasped. “Wasn't Lancelot really him?”

" No ." Merlin replied, glancing at Morgana, a cold, hard look. “He was just a shadow of himself, brought back to life to seduce Gwen.”

"I am sorry." Morgana snapped. “I shouldn't have used Lancelot, but I knew Gwen wasn't the only one who appreciated it!”

“Did you want to hurt me ?” Merlin asked, hissing at her. “Not even I have ever stooped that low against you!”

“No, I wanted to convince you!” Morgana exclaimed. “Lancelot had to convince you and Gwen of what I wanted to do. I wanted my friends back, was it wrong?”

Merlin blinked, and Gwaine saw him reliving the time he spent with Lancelot.

They had spent a lot of time together, Gwaine remembered. And he also remembered that Merlin didn't look very happy.

Now at least he knew why.

“Lancelot didn't know about my magic.” Merlin finally murmured. “I didn't really listen to what he had to say, I was too busy saving Arthur from his betrayals. And from Agravaine.”

“How long did it take you to realise that Agravaine was working for me?” Morgana asked, slightly annoyed.

“Dorocha.” Merlin said calmly. “He knew about Emrys, and only you and I could know about my name.”

"Naturally." Morgana muttered, annoyed. “I told him to watch out for you, but he was so proud. He is just a humble servant .”

“Yes, I must say that it helps me to be a servant.” Merlin smiled. “No one ever suspects servants. I'm invisible!"

“I think you've been accused a few times of having magic.” Morgana rebuked him.

“They don't count.” Merlin shrugged. “Circumstantial evidence was used for the sole purpose of getting me out of the way after I realised something was wrong. Katrina, you know, the troll, was more original . I really appreciate that she didn't accuse me of possessing magic.”

“Trolls respect sorcerers.” Morgana replied. “You must have been dear to Lady Katrina.”

“Not as much as Uther , since she married him.” Merlin said calmly. “And not only that .”

"Disgusting." Morgana wrinkled her nose. “But I'm glad in retrospect that he had a troll for a wife. No less than he deserved.”

"Yes." Merlin nodded. “Anyway, I was thinking of going to King Olaf. Vivian is still under the love spell.”

“Wait, we also have to go to Nemeth.” Gwaine interjected. “A call for help has been sent.”

“Is Mithian okay?” Merlin asked, suddenly concerned.

Gwaine remembered the way Mithian smiled at Merlin, enjoying his company.

And how she had scolded Arthur for his mean attitude towards the servant.

“Odin is attacking them.” Gwaine said. “They sent a request to Camelot shortly before Morgana's attack.”

“Arthur never read the request, then.” Morgana noted, pleasantly amused.

“He didn't have time.” Gwaine nodded.

Merlin glanced at Morgana, before sighing. “You really burned all his letters, didn't you?”

“Not that he ever sorted out those letters.” Morgana shrugged. “I recognized your writing on some of the responses.”

“Okay.” Merlin nodded. “We have an advantage, then.”

“An advantage ?” Gwaine asked.

"Exactly. We will save Mithian and her father from Odin,” Merlin said, “and I will tell her about my magic and the lies that have been spread. And then we'll go save Vivian from the love curse."

“Sounds like a plan.” Morgana said, reaching out to pet Aithusa. “And, Merlin? I would really like to meet Kilgharrah.”

“I still have to call him.” Merlin growled. “And ask him why Aithusa was alone when he should have been taking care of her!”

Gwaine smiled.

Would he really have the honor of seeing Merlin scream at a dragon?

It looked like a lot of fun.

Chapter Text

Gwen wasn’t entirely sure what had happened.  

She knew that Merlin had disappeared, leaving an army of dead Saurons outside the cavern network where he had led them to protect them. She also knew that Arthur had seemed terrified at the thought of losing Merlin to Morgana’s army and had gone back to look for him.  

Yet Arthur had returned without Merlin . The people of Camelot now spoke of the good deeds Morgana, Merlin, and Gwaine had done before leaving the kingdom. Camelot had been left entirely intact and protected, its wounded healed, incurable diseases cured, and structural flaws ignored by both Uther and Arthur finally repaired.  

All the credit went to Morgana’s magic—and Merlin’s .  

That day, Gwen finally spoke with Mary about everything that had happened in Camelot, gaining an enlightening perspective of what good deeds were made and the general opinion on the group that left Camelot.  

Why hadn’t Merlin returned to them, to his friends ?  

Gwen was about to uncover the missing piece of the situation, and she was determined to do so in front of all their friends—friends not only of Arthur but also of Merlin .  

When Arthur had made his choice, he hadn’t hurt only Merlin.  

“Why did you send him away?” Gwen demanded as soon as she stepped into Arthur’s chambers, where Leon, Percival, and Elyan had gathered. Geoffrey and Gaius stood quietly in one corner of the room.  

“Who?” Arthur smiled at her as if oblivious.  

Ever since Gaius had explained that Gwen’s supposed betrayal had been the result of Agravaine’s meddling, Arthur had seemed eager to resume courting her, acting as though everything he’d done to her no longer mattered.  

“ Merlin !” Gwen shouted. “Your most loyal and faithful friend, who stood by you when everyone else turned their backs!”  

“He has magic!” Arthur snapped. “You can’t trust someone with magic!”  

“Do you remember he admitted having magic just weeks after arriving in Camelot, right after he saved my father’s life from the plague spreading through the kingdom? And that he found a way to kill the beast?” Gwen pointed a finger at Arthur. “And what about all those times when Gaius claimed it was impossible to defeat a monster without magic, and yet you always succeeded? Without magic, that would have been impossible!”  

Arthur faltered, looking away. “Even if he admitted it that first time, he knew perfectly well I didn’t believe him. He could have told me again.”  

“In a kingdom where merely existing as he does is considered a crime?” Gwen retorted.  

“After my father’s death, I haven’t persecuted a single sorcerer ,” Arthur protested. “He could have told me back then.”  

“When you declared that magic was only evil and nothing could ever change your mind? When you condemned all sorcerers as beasts or demons? When you called magic absolute evil? In one of those moments, right? That’s when he should have confessed, isn’t it? When you condemned everything he was , then expected him to smile at you afterward as though he didn’t feel a thing?”  

Arthur shook his head. “You don’t know what he was feeling, Gwen! You’re not him—”  

“I saw Morgana !” Gwen shouted back. “She was terrified ! Scared of herself and of what Uther would do to her!”  

Arthur froze, his gaze dropping. “I’m not my father.”  

“You rewarded everyone else . Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan became knights. I was elevated in status. And Merlin ? Why didn’t he ever sit at the Round Table again, after he fought to restore your kingdom? After he proved his endless loyalty the entire time he served you?”  

“He was serving me for some nefarious purpose!” Arthur insisted, but his protests grew weaker, the pain more evident as he began to realize the truth.  

“For what purpose? Helping you become a decent enough person not to become a tyrant like your father?” Gwen shouted. “And remember, he saved your life even before he became your servant. He didn’t come to Camelot to serve the court! He came here to study healing and then return to his home! He never intended to stay !”  

Arthur froze completely, lowering his head.  

Gwen raised her chin, leveling him with a glare. “When I accepted your proposal, I did so thinking I was marrying someone you clearly are not. I have no intention of staying in Camelot. Your actions toward me, your evident disdain for what I endured under Agravaine’s enchantment—despite knowing full well how impossible it is to fight or recall clearly after being under a love spell—and now your petty and cruel treatment of Merlin , the most loyal and faithful person you could ever hope to meet, tell me you are not the man I deeply loved.” Gwen shook her head. “I’ll settle a few remaining matters, and then I’ll leave.”  

“Gwen…” Arthur reached for her hand.  

“ Don’t touch me .” Gwen’s voice was icy. “I’ll always remember your hands as the ones that hurt my best friend and brother by choice for no reason other than the way he was born .”  

“But… he has magic… the laws…” Arthur glanced nervously at Leon.  

Leon had no answers.  

Gwen turned to Percival and Elyan. “And you two. You were Merlin’s friends . I can’t believe neither of you thought to defend him.” Focusing on Elyan with a sharp look, she added, “I’m fairly certain it’s thanks to him that you’re alive right now, Elyan. I expected so much more from you.”  

“But he went with Morgana ,” Leon pointed out. “He sided with our enemy.”  

“Morgana was acting like Uther’s daughter—just like Arthur did when he raised his sword against Merlin,” Gwen shot back. “And I wouldn’t say she’s our enemy, considering she healed our wounded, repaired our homes, and tended to our crops, according to the accounts of those who witnessed their deeds. Gwaine, honorable as ever, chose to follow Merlin, which tells me everything I need to know about their intentions.” She raised an eyebrow at Leon. “And you, more than anyone, should remember how Morgana was when she was younger. I can only hope Merlin can bring that kindness and care back to the surface.”  

Gwen offered a nod to Geoffrey and Gaius.  

“Gaius, if I find out where they are, I’ll let you know as soon as possible,” Gwen promised. “You have my word.”  

Casting one last look at Arthur, she turned and left the room.  

First, she would settle the last of her affairs in Camelot, ensuring her friends’ efforts weren’t in vain.  

Then, she would find them. 

And, after finding them, she’d join them. 

Chapter Text

Mithian had never thought she would see the day when Odin would have the courage to attack Nemeth.

Their kingdom was no longer what it once was, that was true and something that needed to be considered.

And it was true that her position had been deemed compromised after the dishonor Arthur had brought upon them, first by offering a political marriage in the name of future alliances and then by going back on his word only for love and broken promises to another woman.

Mithian swallowed, realizing in that moment why her father had looked devastated when he saw his daughter return home, unmarried.

He should have realized long before anyone else how that simple act, an act of love, would put Nemeth in the eyes of the other kingdoms.

Mithian was not a desirable bride and Nemeth would have no king after the current one.

Nemeth was easy prey.

Their alliance with Camelot should have at least made them strong, but messengers had been sent to Camelot before the siege began, and no one had come to their aid.

And now, a siege was upon them, and there was nothing Mithian could do to save her people.

Her father entered the room, looking like he had aged nearly thirty years in just one afternoon.

“Father!” Mithian ran to him, pulling him into a hug as he approached. “I am so sorry for what I brought to our home!”

“Never say that.” Rodor shook his head. “I do not blame you for Odin’s desire or Arthur Pendragon’s lack of honor. A marriage was never our suggestion, and yet he backed out of it after promising it. It is not your fault, Mithian, and you are not allowed to think of yourself as the culprit in our situation.”

“But perhaps I could have…” Mithian tried to speak, but once again her father cut her off, shaking his head sharply and curtly, allowing no discussion on the subject.

“I will not allow you to blame yourself for the sins of others , my daughter.” Rodor denied. “And we will find a solution to this situation on our own, as we always have.”

Mithian smiled slightly, before murmuring. “We could beg…”

“I will not die begging a tyrant , and neither will you .” Rodor exclaimed. “Nor will anyone in Nemeth.”

“I am glad to hear that.” A female voice said. “It would have been so disappointing to come all this way for nothing.”

Mithian tightened her grip on her sword, her eyes narrowing as she recognized Morgana.

“ You !” Rodor exclaimed. “We are not so desperate as to accept help from a snake !”

Morgana grimaced, but a voice Mithian knew very well answered instead of her.

“I told you not to make dramatic entrances, but did you listen ?” Merlin sighed, Gwaine at his side, in armor, no red cloak in sight. “You never do. You’re sarcastic and then you always look surprised when no one is happy to see you.”

Morgana looked sadly at Merlin, making Mithian blink in confusion.

“M erlin ?” Mithian asked, hesitantly. “You… are with Morgana.”

Merlin smiled. “Mithian, it is so good to see you well! King Rodor, I pay my respects and come to your aid, along with Gwaine, son of Gawaint, and Morgana, daughter of Gorlois.”

“Morgana Pendragon has declared war on many kingdoms .” Rodor murmured. “I know your name, Merlin, from my daughter’s kind and praiseful words. But Morgana does not deserve praise or kindness.”

“Morgana was innocent and her magic was seen as the ultimate evil by those who were supposed to protect her from the evil of the world and instead became her worst enemies .” Merlin said, speaking clearly and fearlessly, confidence written all over his face and tangible in his voice. “That said, she was also manipulated by circumstances and now she is trying to prove that she can do good .”

“And what brings a knight of Camelot, a servant, and a fallen princess here?” Rodor asked.

Mithian winced. They were in no position to be stingy with the help they were receiving, yet her father did not seem to care about diplomacy at a time like this.

“You are wrong, my lord.” Merlin continued speaking, surprising Mithian slightly. Merlin was the lowest in rank among those present, never mind the fact that Morgana was entitled to nothing after all she had done. “Gwaine no longer serves Arthur Pendragon, but only himself . In fact, I introduced him by the name of his father , a knight from a different kingdom than Camelot. Morgana is not a fallen princess, but a queen to the people of those who wield magic, for they have no one to fight their battles, no one who does not treat them with fear, disgust and shame. And I am no longer a servant. Perhaps you know the name the druids call me, Emrys.”

Mithian gasped, and Rodor at her side.

“The most powerful sorcerer who ever walked in the world.” Rodor whispered. “A sorcerer of such power serving a king? A Pendragon ? What compelled you to serve Arthur Pendragon?”

“Belief in his good will, and a good deal of manipulation by a mentor and a dragon, who saw my arrival as a way to manipulate a Pendragon indirectly.” Merlin replied. “And I was exiled after Arthur saw me use magic to stop an entire army sent to kill him.”

Mithian paused, glancing at Merlin. “You can stop an entire army ?”

“Morgana and I, together, will have no trouble stopping Odin’s army at your gates. The battle will be won before we even have to fight it.” Merlin promised, speaking softly. “However, King Rodor, our aid is not given without an underlying request.”

“What can I offer those who can create anything with their magic?” Rodor asked, speaking almost abruptly.

“I know our people are not persecuted in your lands, yet they are not aided either.” Merlin said, tilting his head. “In a land such as this one , your kindness has not gone unnoticed, but I find myself in the position of asking you to tell anyone who asks that a warlock, Emrys, and a witch, Lady Morgana, aided you against your enemy. We ask only that we be treated like any other citizen .”

Mithian took a deep breath. “Their request is just and fair, father.”

Rodor nodded. “Indeed, it is. And once your people have their own kingdom, with Lady Morgana as their queen, Nemeth will be happy to extend an alliance with them.”

“And my kingdom will be happy to call Nemeth its ally.” Morgana replied, bowing her head regally.

Mithian sighed in relief.

She would talk to Merlin more in the future, but right now the most important thing was that Nemeth was safe .

Her people would not suffer at the hands of Odin.

Chapter Text

Morgana raised an eyebrow when she saw Mithian walking alone towards her.  

"Your father lets you approach me without a chaperone?" Morgana asked, incredulous and astonished.  

"If you want the perspective about you to change , you need the support of the royalty ," Mithian said. " Merlin’s presence reassured me about your character, but my people do not know him as well as I do. Although—" here Mithian furrowed her brow, "I would never have imagined that Merlin possessed magic."  

"Why?" Morgana asked, almost growling in the process. "Too pure to be cursed in such a way? To be this corrupted ?"  

"No," Mithian replied, not losing her composure, as a princess was trained to do. "Simply because he served the son of a king who declared war on magic and never wavered in his fight against it, even going so far as to force his allies into the same feud. Unwarranted and unwanted."  

"Uther is a hypocrite," Morgana declared. "The only reason he waged war on magic was his desire for an heir, which resulted in the deaths of many of my kind."  

"I don’t understand," Mithian said after a moment of silence. "How would Uther’s desire for an heir have repercussions on magic?"  

"Ygraine was barren," Morgana said without hesitation. "And Uther asked Nimueh to give him a child. Nimueh warned him that a life would be taken, but Uther was ready for a stranger to die for his greed . His wife’s death led him to kill innocents —because of his greed and his desire to see the Pendragon name continue on and on. Despite the rot they keep spreading, and despite the fact that it is sorcerers who bring power to that cursed family!"  

Mithian remained silent before speaking gently. "I understand your pain."  

"No, you don’t have magic," Morgana growled.  

"No, but I am a princess like you , and I must watch my people suffer, just as you do, " Mithian said. "And now , I understand your pain very well, and the drastic decisions you have made." Mithian paused before asking, "And Merlin? Is he your subject?"  

"Merlin is more powerful than I am," Morgana quickly disillusioned her. "He could be my king if he wished. I suppose ‘advisor’ is the role that suits him best." Morgana fell into thought for a moment. "Never mind, that is a conversation for him and me to have in the future."  

"He would make a good advisor," Mithian admitted after a moment. "I had asked him to allow me to offer him a place here at court, to be treated as a dignitary and not as a servant, but—"  

"He refused," Morgana scoffed, unsurprised. "Merlin’s loyalty knows no bounds when it is directed towards you. I do not blame him for the choices he has made. Like me, he too was manipulated by those who should have taught him."  

Morgana recalled the moment when Merlin had looked at her in the druid camp and had said he understood her.  

At the time, she had not realised just how deeply Merlin understood her pain.  

Now, she knew.  

And they would settle their matters personally.  

Without lizards to stop them.  

***  

"Is there really nothing we can offer you?" King Rodor was walking alongside Merlin.  

He had already provided armour for all three of them, wishing to reward their service, a war winned without deaths.  

"Stopping the war was not difficult," Merlin shook his head, bowing slightly. "And I know that if Arthur had not gone back on his word to marry Mithian, this would not have happened. I feel partially responsible."  

"May I ask why?" Rodor inquired, stopping at the top of the staircase and fixing Merlin with an intense gaze.  

"Arthur Pendragon was supposed to marry a friend of mine, Gwen, who has neither title nor power, only gifted with a great heart," Merlin smiled slightly. "Because of deception , Gwen was forced to betray Arthur, but I knew it was never her intention."  

A sad smile took Merlin’s lips.  

"He threatened to banish me if I ever spoke of my best friend again," Merlin murmured under his breath. "And then I had to leave without even having the chance to say goodbye to her, yet I cannot hate her if she has decided to marry Arthur."  

"I imagine Lady Morgana is the reason your friend was forced to betray Arthur," Rodor said, staring at Morgana keenly.  

"And yet she bears no blame for my situation with Camelot," Merlin interjected. "She is Uther’s eldest daughter, and if he had not wanted to hide the fact that he sent his lover’s husband to his death while concealing Morgana’s parentage, none of this would have ever happened. Morgana was always a much kinder person than Arthur and capable of distancing herself from Uther’s ideals."  

"And yet…" Rodor murmured.  

"She was behaving like Uther in these past years," Merlin scoffed. "But now I think we have both found our path—better than before, and no longer blind to our flaws."  

"I suppose not," Rodor sighed. "Very well, once you have a kingdom to call your own, send an alliance to Nemeth. We will answer."  

"Until then, King Rodor," Merlin bowed his head, surprised when Rodor returned the gesture.  

Then, Merlin walked towards his horse.  

"And so you are leaving," Mithian said, stroking Merlin’s horse. "So soon?"  

"Your people are no longer at risk of destruction," Merlin smiled gently. "And you are not the only ones who have suffered because of the Pendragons’ actions."  

Mithian lowered her gaze before lifting her eyes to meet Merlin’s directly. "I hope you know that I do not blame you for what happened. You are not responsible for the decisions Arthur Pendragon made."  

"No," Merlin nodded slowly, averting his gaze as a dull pain resurfaced. "If I were responsible for all his actions and decisions, I would probably be with him now, and he would have stopped killing my kin."  

Mithian offered a faint smile. "He would be a better king if he only made your decisions, and if he did not consult you only when it was too late and there had already been losses."  

Merlin smiled, bowing to the princess. "You know we are just a call away. We will know if Nemeth ever needs our help again, and we will both answer your call, Mithian."  

"I know you will," Mithian smiled, stepping closer to Merlin.  

When she stood before him, she rose onto her toes to press a kiss to the sorcerer’s cheek.  

"I wish you a safe journey," Mithian murmured. "And thank you for saving my home."

“There’s no need to thank me, Mithian.” Merlin answered. “And there is no debt between friends.”

Chapter Text

The garden stretched beneath the protective shadow of the castle walls, a secret refuge of colours and scents.  

It was a harmonious blend of nature and art, where every path of smooth stone led to a new wonder.  

At this time of year, the garden was in full bloom. The flowerbeds were an explosion of colour, with ancient roses in crimson and gold hues, white lilies, and irises in shades of violet, symbols of nobility. Violets and forget-me-nots nestled between the stones, tiny touches of blue and lilac that seemed stolen from the sky.  

A wooden pergola entwined with wisteria and ivy offered shade and coolness.  

At the heart of the garden, a carved marble fountain murmured softly, with water trickling from the hands of an ethereal figure—perhaps a nymph or a legendary lady. Fallen petals floated upon it like fragments of dreams.  

Cherry trees were in full bloom, a rain of pink petals dancing through the air whenever the wind wove its way through the branches, creating a fairy-tale vision. Birds chirped among the foliage, while bees buzzed lazily among the orange blossoms and aromatic herbs, filling the air with the delicate scent of lavender, thyme, and mint.  

A small hedge maze added a touch of mystery and amusement, with statues of mythical creatures marking the hidden corners. Here and there, wrought-iron lanterns, waiting to be lit at dusk, stood ready to transform the garden into a realm of enchanted light and shadow.  

Vivian, daughter of King Olaf, gazed at the blossoms on the trees, feeling the ache of missing her great love.  

"Princess?"  

A voice pulled Vivian from her thoughts, a pain in her chest that could only be soothed by the sight of her beloved.  

"Yes?" Vivian asked, blinking as she tried to focus on the servant, likely sent by her father to fetch her.  

"Your father requests your presence, my lady," the servant said with a bow. "There are guests awaiting you."  

Guests? Perhaps her prince had finally come for her, reuniting their broken hearts into one.  

"I shall come at once." Vivian rose, smoothing her hair before preceding the servant through the corridors.  

Her heart had finally returned to her.  

***  

"I remember you both." 

King Olaf was polite, Gwaine decided.  

Besides, Gwaine knew that once, Olaf had tried to kill Arthur, and at this moment, Gwaine didn’t much like the thought of the now king either.  

So, he rather liked Olaf.  

"Merlin, was it?" Olaf earned further points in Gwaine's mind for remembering Merlin’s name. "I recall that you advised your prince well."  

"I'm afraid he is no longer my prince, and not just because he now wears the crown of Camelot," Merlin replied, lowering his head respectfully towards the king.  

"I see." Olaf shifted his gaze to Morgana. "I hope there will be no wars to wrest Camelot from Arthur. We have a peace treaty with them."  

"You have a peace treaty with the Pendragons ," Morgana pointed out. "Which includes me as well. But we are not here to discuss the future of my people."  

"You have no interest in Camelot, then?" Olaf challenged Morgana.  

"I have an interest in ruling a kingdom for my people —the magic users," Morgana answered calmly. " Wherever that may be."  

"And you?" Olaf asked, looking at Merlin. "Having served Arthur for so long, I would think your hatred for magic would match his."  

"I'm afraid not." Merlin conjured a small flame in his hand, lighting all the candles in the room, saving the servants who had entered the trouble.  

To their credit, they merely bowed in gratitude to Merlin before leaving.  

"You allow magic within your halls," Morgana observed, a gleam in her eyes, clearly delighted. "The treaties with Camelot forbade it."  

"What the Pendragons do not know cannot harm them," Olaf murmured. "Why have you come here?"  

"I owe you an apology, King Olaf." Merlin bowed. "I knew that both Arthur and your daughter had been placed under a love spell, and yet I did nothing to aid her. I did not know any other way to break a love potion."  

Gwaine watched as Olaf’s eyes lit up. "And now you do?"  

"Together, Merlin and I can lift the enchantment clouding your daughter’s mind," Morgana promised. "We might have asked for the support of magic users in return, but I see that in your kingdom, they are already free."  

"And does that change the reward you seek?" Olaf inquired.  

"Not in the slightest," Merlin assured the king. "It only makes us more inclined to offer our help. And perhaps, to seek your friendship in the future."  

"My friendship is yours from the moment you stepped forward to offer aid," Olaf replied. "And, to be honest, my daughter has spoken of you, Merlin. The only servant who did not seek to flatter her. That pleased me greatly."  

Gwaine watched as Merlin rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Your daughter is very beautiful, King Olaf, but outer beauty does not always capture one's heart."  

"You are in love, then." Olaf smiled, his gaze lingering on Gwaine for a moment. "And where is your love now?"  

"Beyond my reach," Merlin admitted. "Two of my loves died in my arms, and the third is too far away for me to love."  

Olaf sighed. "I am sorry. I have seen my daughter’s pain over these years, and I would not wish it upon anyone ."  

Morgana stepped forward, drawing the king’s attention away from Merlin. "If you can summon Vivian now, we shall cleanse her of the curse."  

"Very well." Olaf nodded. "And afterwards, you shall be my guests at dinner. I wish to hear much more about this love potion business and your plans for your future kingdom."  

Gwaine smiled.  

Two kings had been won over.  

Gwaine had no doubt they would win over the rest.

Chapter Text

“We must go to the Dark Tower,” Morgana announced, earning a blank stare from Merlin and a shocked one from Gwaine.

“Why do you want to go there?” Gwaine exclaimed, staring at Morgana as if she had three heads. Or as if she had announced that Uther Pendragon was a loving father and a fair king.

“Because I need that source of power,” Morgana replied.

“Excuse me,” Merlin interjected, staring at them both, his gaze questioning. “But what is the Dark Tower?”

“It’s a place where normal sunlight doesn’t reach, where everything sinks into darkness.” Morgana replied.

“Funny,” Merlin said laconically. “Why do you want to go there, then?”

“It’s the best thing,” Morgana explained. “I had a dream, a prophecy. We went there, and we received the answers we were looking for.”

“Honestly, I thought we'd go to the Perilous Lands.” Merlin replied, sounding shocked that they weren't going to a place called the Perilous Lands.

Morgana gave him a blank look. “I get scolded for wanting to go to the Dark Tower, but you can suggest the Perilous Lands and not expect to be insulted for it?”

“Why doesn't either of us suggest going, I don't know, anywhere else that doesn't contain Dark or Perilous?” Gwaine groaned.

“I don't think there's a place where magic was strong that doesn't have a name that foretells doom and death.” Merlin shrugged. “That's usually what any wizard king or queen has awaited.”

Gwaine grimaced, before looking at Morgana. “Is that a good idea?”

Morgana nodded. “Two old faces will come to us there.”

“Why would they be in a place called the Dark Tower?” Merlin asked, wrinkling his nose. “That doesn’t sound very smart.”

“Merls…” Gwaine interjected, looking at Merlin, “you remember who the people we know are, right?”

Merlin stared at Gwaine for a moment, looking thoughtful, before nodding. “Yes, that makes sense.”

“Good.” Morgana nodded. “We’ll go to the Dark Tower and find out who the two familiar faces we see there are.”

“And then we go to the Perilous Lands to reclaim the kingdom.” Merlin said, smiling at the look Morgana knew he was giving him: hopeful, shocked, and moved. “I promised you a crown, my queen.”

Morgana wondered, for a moment, how Arthur could have had that kind of loyalty and yet let it go like that.

Arthur was definitely the stupid brother, and the one who took after their father the most.

Chapter Text

The tower was horrible to look at, both from afar and up close.

“We should have gone to the Perilous Lands like I suggested,” Merlin muttered grumpily, accepting Gwaine’s offered help when he nearly lost his balance and fell toward the cliff. “I don’t remember those dangerous ravines on the way to the Fisher King’s Castle.”

“Do you remember the wyverns?” Morgana asked, wrinkling her nose.

Merlin didn’t actually see her, he just knew she was wrinkling her nose because Morgana could be quite mean when she wanted to be. And annoying.

“Do you remember that I am a dragonlord? Duh,” Merlin said, pouring all his underpaid servant energy into the sentence.

Young people today had no respect for his authority.

It was almost depressing.

“Never mind.” Morgana shook her head, before stopping and tilting her head. “Do you feel that too?”

“What, my life trying to commit suicide and failing?” Merlin asked.

“No, shut up.” Morgana shushed him, before tilting her head again.

Merlin heard that after her. Someone was crying, crying bitterly. Then, he realized he knew that cry.

“Gwen!” Merlin shouted, running to where Gwen was curled up, trying to tend to her wound, a twisted ankle, stopping after remembering he was the monster from Gwen’s stories.

“You saved my father, didn’t you?” Gwen sniffed, looking at Merlin. “When you told me you could read minds… you… you saved my father and then confessed to Uther that you had magic to save me.”

“You remember that, huh?” Merlin blushed, hovering next to Gwen.

“Don’t just stand there, Merlin,” Gwen murmured. “You’re my best friend. My brother, magic or no magic.”

Merlin sat next to Gwen, running his hand over her ankle and smiling as he saw Gwen relax as the pain subsided.

“I remember Arthur saying I couldn’t have magic because a warlock wouldn’t bow down to scrub floors day after day.” Gwen whispered. “You did.”

“I protected my friends.” Merlin shrugged. “It’s not my fault how I was born.”

“How did you find out?” Gwen asked. “That you had magic?”

“When I was born, my eyes were gold.” Merlin answered honestly. “I moved things before I could even walk. Mum was afraid they’d kill me, but… not even in my village were they capable of killing a child. They avoided me, but they never gave me to Uther or Cenred.”

“It’s horrible.” Gwen whispered, reaching out and squeezing Merlin’s hand. “I wish you’d told me, but… I understand why you didn’t.”

“Lancelot knew,” Merlin murmured. “He knew I had magic.”

“I’m glad he was there for you, then,” Gwen said. “I also understand why you were more devastated than I was when he left.”

Merlin smiled slightly, before turning and saying, “Gana, Gwaine.”

The two of them approached.

Morgana looked at Gwen. “I won’t apologize for trying to take what was rightfully mine.”

“You mean… almost getting me killed using Lancelot?” Gwen crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“Arthur would never have killed you.” Morgana scoffed. “Agravaine kept me well informed about it. I knew you’d just be banished.”

“And I lost my entire family, but that was part of your revenge, wasn’t it?” Gwen snorted. “You lose yours, I have to lose mine.”

“I won’t apologize for what I did,” Morgana repeated. “I wouldn’t mean it, so that would be an insult.”

“At least you’re honest.” Gwen growled.

“I always have been.” Morgana replied. “Lancelot was meant to bring you and Merlin back to me. I didn’t care what method I had to use. Magic or persuasion, I would have taken either path.”

“Don’t expect me to approve of you,” Gwen said. “I’m here for Merlin. And only for him.”

“And me?” Gwaine asked, pouting.

“For you too.” Gwen agreed.

Merlin snorted, before laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” Morgana blinked at him. “Are you crazy?”

"I almost just said 'everything will be fine' out loud," Merlin said.

"We're doomed, then." Gwaine retorted curtly.

"Yes, but at least we're in good company." Merlin smiled. "If the first face we saw was Gwen, I can approve of taking this path, Morgana!"

Chapter Text

Gwen knew she would find Merlin and Gwaine with Morgana. It was also what a part of her—the part unharmed by Morgana and that missed her greatest ally in Camelot, her best friend after Merlin—had hoped.

Merlin would never have joined Morgana if he hadn't been convinced of her goodness. Furthermore, Merlin would never have allowed his friends to put themselves in danger for him.

No matter what the Pendragons had said about this in Camelot, Gwen knew Merlin better than anyone in the world and knew what she was talking about.

Merlin loved his friends too much to put them in danger.

So, all that remained was to ascertain Morgana's real intentions, since she had already deceived everyone in Camelot once.

"She didn't deceive Merlin."

Gwen turned to look at Gwaine, who had now come to her side.

"What do you say?" Gwen asked, blinking.

“Merlin knew right away that Morgana was working with Morgause,” Gwaine told her. “He tried to warn Arthur that Morgana was bewitched, since he didn’t want her killed, but… Arthur wasn’t receptive.”

“I’m not surprised.” Gwen snorted.

That Merlin had stayed surprised her so much more.

If Lancelot had been in Camelot at the time, Gwen wouldn’t have been surprised by Merlin’s presence. Those two had a bond that not even Gwen could ever match or understand.

But Lancelot wasn’t there.

Gwen would never have listened to Merlin; she’d missed Morgana too much to question his presence. And, even if she’d had her doubts, she’d discussed them with Gaius, not Merlin.

Arthur had shown when he took Merlin into consideration: that was when Arthur needed blind loyalty, and then Merlin became useful to the prince in some way.

And even Morgana was no longer the person who had deceived Uther just to protect Merlin from death.

Merlin was alone.

Why had he stayed?

“Why do you tell me?” Gwen asked.

“You're wondering if you can trust Morgana,” Gwaine replied. “It depends on whether you trust Merlin.”

“Of course I trust Merlin,” Gwen exclaimed.

“Then you can trust Morgana.” Gwaine shrugged. “Actually, she's just another victim of Uther. Just as Merlin was a victim of Arthur.”

Gwen stopped, staring at Gwaine in shock.

She'd been furious with Arthur, of course. But calling Merlin his victim…

How much had Gwen missed?

***

“Nice room.” Merlin looked around, wrinkling his nose. “Are we going to keep the bodies for decoration?”

“Those corpses are those who challenged and fought against the Old Religion.”

Gwen frowned at the figure, while Merlin groaned.

“You should be dead,” Merlin said, staring at the girl.

Gwen, with a start, recognized her: it was Bayard's servant, the one who had spoken to Merlin shortly before he administered the poison.

“And you should learn so much more about magic,” Nimueh said, sounding quite healthy for someone who had died. “Morgana, the last High Priestess of the Old Religion. Welcome.”

“Lady Nimueh.” Morgana bowed her head respectfully, a gesture that brought Gwen back to better times, when all four of them were younger and she hadn't lost her best friends for the same reason.

“No, really?” Merlin snorted, then pointed to Nimueh. “You burned my chest! I still have the scar!”

“And you pulverized me with lightning,” Nimueh retorted, still seeming amused by Merlin. “I bear my scars, too.”

“That lightning should have killed you, not just left you with a few scars.” Merlin groaned. “Did we really come all this way for Nimueh? She wasn't my friend.”

“No. But I could have been a formidable ally, far better than Kilgharrah and Gaius.” Nimueh replied. “But we don't need to discuss this now.”

“Or at all.” Merlin murmured.

“Please, come with me.” Nimueh smiled. “I want to speak with you. And you must be hungry.”

Gwaine looked up at the mention of food. “If you're offering…"