Merlin Alternate Ending

Chapter 1: Merlin

"Trust no one, tell your secrets to nobody and no one will ever betray you."

~Bigvai Volcy

Merlin's POV

"Ready to go?" I ask Arthur, mounted high on his horse. He turns away from me, a distantly angry look in his eyes. I feel a pang of regret at telling him about my magic, but I know that I had to. He had to know the truth, didn't he? I glance at Gaius and he gives me a sympathetic look. I sigh and walk over to him.

He places a hand on my shoulder. "It will be all right, Merlin." he assures me softly.

"He's already been through so much betrayal," I shake my head, "I think learning that I have magic broke him. I don't know if he'll ever trust me again." My voice breaks on the last word and I choke back the sob that has been threatening to rise up my throat since I told Arthur the truth. Honesty shouldn't hurt so much.

"Don't worry, Merlin. He'll come around." He opens his arms to hug me and I melt into the embrace, letting him comfort me. "If Arthur can trust anyone," he adds, breathing directly into my ear, "it is you."

He releases me and I step back. "Ride carefully, Gaius."

"You, too, Merlin. You can do this."

I nod quickly and walk to my horse, ducking my head when I pass Arthur. I climb into the saddle, grab the reins, and turn to Arthur, a fake smile plastered on my face. "Well, off we go, then." I say in the most cheerful voice I can muster.

He ignores me.

*

*

*

*

I pull my horse to a stop in the huge clearing. Behind me, I hear mutter something angrily, but he stops next to me.

I begin to dismount and am interrupted by Arthur's voice, full of quiet scorn. "Merlin, what on earth are you doing?"

Just like old times.

I jump, hearing him speak my name. I continue dismounting and consider ignoring him like he's been doing to me, but I know before my feet hit the ground that I will answer him. I'm just so glad that he's speaking to me again, no matter how hostile.

"We're catching a ride." I say with fake enthusiasm, still avoiding his gaze.

Arthur snorts. "What are you talking about?"

I sigh and look at him, biting my lip. I make a decision and take a deep breath. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." I murmur, "So you'll just have to wait until I show you. Just try not to freak out, all right?"

He looks at me questioningly, eyebrows raised, lips pressed into a hard line. I turn my back on him and walk to the center of the clearing. A soft breeze rustles the leaves on the trees surrounding the clearing. The grass sways gently in the wind. The scent of flowers reaches my nose and I inhale deeply, closing my eyes. My father's voice echoes in my mind, as it always does when I use the gift he passed down to me. I have the words memorized by now. 'You are the last Dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin,he must obey your will.'

I reach deep into my soul, to the magical part of me that watches with a detached, knowing sort of calm. Immediately words begin to stream into my mind, words in an ancient language that I don't quite understand, but I know they will say what I need them to say.

I open my mouth and let the words fly out. They fill the air, ringing deeply with power. "Ah, Drakon! Ego postulo succurro! Sed Iaeditur Coenelius sonare potest et eros eget!"