The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter Five

He was used to being told that his destiny was to protect Arthur, to help him become the King that would unite all of Albion and allow magic to reign free once more. It was a responsibility that Merlin had grown proud of. He could name each scar on his skin from each brush with death and could pinpoint where each nightmare or sleepless night came from.

Yet, with the target now being painted on his back instead of the Prince, Merlin found the fear that he often pushed aside for Arthur's sake, come back full force. Merlin knew that the moment he would step foot into Ilaria that his magic could be found out, his deepest secret exposed by nothing more than a look or just one word, Warlock. He had always imagined the day his magic was revealed would be when he was saving Arthur's life or when the magic ban would be lifted, and he could admit who he truly was without fear. Now it seemed that the decision might be taken out of his hands.

A part of him wanted to tell Arthur all that he knew. He wanted to say that he was in danger and that for him it could become a one-way trip.

But every time he found himself catching a glimpse of Arthur, Merlin hesitated. He would fight, that was one thing Merlin was certain of. If he knew the truth. he was sure Arthur would try to protect him, that the Knights would be honour bound to protect their friend and more than likely incite an incident that could mean war. The realization came like a lightning strike, he couldn't tell Arthur. To protect the Prince, to protect Camelot, the problem was his to bear and his alone.

As they passed the outskirts of the Lake of Avalon, Merlin's hands shook. Freya's resting place still called out to him whenever he passed it. Though unlike most times, Merlin fought it's pull and turned to glance at Arthur. The golden-haired Prince was watching the Knights bicker with a fond smile. While he knew that Arthur would never admit it, the Knights had become a strange little family. Inside Camelot's walls they were soldiers, outside of them they became brothers.

When the Knights discussion turned to their next tavern visit and who would be buying the first round, Merlin smiled to himself.

"Elyan my friend, you couldn't be more wrong." Gwaine argued with a smirk, "I happen to remember a certain fellow promising me the drinks would be on him, if I introduced you to that blonde barmaid." He added with a wink.

Elyan shook his head with a grin, "Who turned out to own the tavern, be married and kick us out when you asked her when she was expecting her baby."

Leon and Lancelot chuckled as they saw Gwaine sigh deeply. "Okay the whole marriage thing was a bit of a surprise." He admitted reluctantly, "But what was wrong with what else I said?" Gwaine asked frowning.

Elyan rolled his eyes and exchanged an exasperated look with Leon, "She wasn't pregnant Gwaine."

"Oh." He said with a wince, "That was unfortunate, but I did introduce you." Gwaine grinned.

Merlin couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. The knights all beamed as Merlin turned to look at them, his silence after his strange behaviour had worried them all.

"Don't let him convince you to pay for his drinks." Merlin said quietly, "Last time he ended up sitting on the floor of my chambers, hugging and proposing to a mop and bucket." He explained with smirk.

The Knights all laughed, Arthur rolled his eyes and looked away.

"You swore you wouldn't tell a soul." Gwaine said with a mock glare, "It's hard to find decent friends these days." He said shaking his head.

"What was he doing in your chambers?" Leon asked, still laughing.

"He needed Gaius's hangover cure." Merlin explained with a shrug. They all nodded knowingly.

"Which for the record, tastes like liquid mud." Gwaine pointed out with a shudder. The other Knights all grinned.

Arthur turned and suddenly signalled for all for all of them to stop. "We will stop here, have food and rest up." He commanded. "The sun will set in a few hours, I'd rather not travel through Cenred's bandit infested fields in the dark."

"I think I saw a Lake just over those trees, we could make camp there." Leon suggested.

Merlin paled as Arthur quickly nodded, "Excellent idea Leon."