A Herald of a New Age

Chapter thirteen. Truths

|an| the second part of that chapter that went on forever. I've actually had two people bug me to update this (Hi to them) and I'm very sorry at how disappointed you are going to be with this chapter. It's really not great.|an|

"I'll start." Merlin whipped round in surprise to Arthurs left where Leon had raised his hand. Arthur nodded and Merlin braced himself.

Leon began by explaining the events from the moment they heard a scream. How, he had sent Gwaine-who chuckled lightly under his breath at this- to see what had caused the sound, whilst he and Percival went to find Elyan, Medan, Arthur and Merlin and check they were alright.

"We found Elyan with Medan. Elyan said he had taken the boy for some air- and hadn't seen Merlin."

Merlin watched as Elyan nodded to this. Interesting, but, if Elyan wanted to keep his secrets that was fine, Merlin played along and nodded also.

Leon explained how they had found Merlin with Arthur, just after Arthur had gone into a sort of shock. Merlin expected him to go on after that, but instead he said this:

"I should leave the rest of the story to the others Sire, there's another issue from previously that I want to address."

Merlin cocked his head in intrigue as Leon locked his eyes solemnly.

"Like I said, I served under Uther. I have seen the evils of sorcery, I know how it can corrupt a man. This quest has so far opened my eyes to other possibilities."

Merlin smiled in relief, but his secondary thoughts were mirrored in Arthurs expression, which showed an amount of surprise at Leon opening up his own opinion for once.

"It happened that night when a force healed my back." Leon paused to hold a hand over his shoulder and pat where the wound once was. Merlin became very self conscious, anticipating the eyes that would all turn on him soon.

"I told Arthur about what had happened, when he asked me about my miraculous recovery- and it was, miraculous." Leon began again. He explained the feeling of death hanging over him, and how it had been lifted. Merlin was surprised at how close to the veil Leon had been, if he had known this fact he would have dismissed all possibility of healing the Knight. Like Kilgharrah had once said, he apparently had more power than he would ever hope to conceive. Merlin hadn't exactly believed this, and if it was as true as it was looking to be- then Merlin expected there was only a limit to what he could access of it. Maybe he would implode otherwise.

Arthur cut in at this point and Merlin swore under his breath as the King recounted having seen a flash of gold and Merlin moving away from Leon's body in under the cover of darkness that night.

It was at this point all the eyes turned on him.

"It, was a spell I'd done before.. I'd been studying it for ages.. Just in case, you know,"

Arthur smiled at him, as you would at a child. Merlin felt foolish, find your voice Merlin! You saved Leon's life! He thought, frustrated.

"You saved my life. That is a worthy earner of my loyalty if there ever was one." Leon replied.

Percival's turn.

The burly Knight explained how Merlin had been forced to use his magic in front of them, to enter Arthurs mind and try to find out what had happened. Arthur had looked nervous at this and Merlin assured him that he hadn't pried.

Merlin was called to explain the experience and he had found his voice long enough to explain what he had discovered, Morganas magic. And how he had been flung back out of Arthurs head when he had tried to fight it.