Magic Revealed

Goodnight My Lord

Arthur sat in Merlin's room while the warlock rummaged through books. "What were you talking about earlier?"

Merlin looked up, "When?"

"When I wasn't able to light the candle but something happened?"

Merlin straightened and heaved a heavy book on to his desk, "You have an effect on magic just different than the avarage person. Make any sense? So you may not actually be able to use it but your connection is unique." He started flipping through pages and muttered to himself, "Mordred and Percival, Mordred and Percival."

"Did you know it was going to work for Percival?" Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, "I honestly thought if it was going to anyone it was going to be Lancelot. But that wouldn't have made sense now that I think about it." He was still flipping through pages  before stopping on one and scribbling something down. "Mordred should be able to manage this pretty easily."

He set down his quill and sat down on the bed next to Arthur, "So what's bothering you now?"

Arthur grimaced, "Can't hide anything from you can I?"

"You are sitting in my room, on my bed, with one of the most worried face I've ever seen on you. You aren't exactly doing a good job of hiding it." Merlin said lightly, "What's wrong?"

Arthur was slumped, he looked tired and in need to sleep but when he looked up at Merlin the warlock couldn't help but notice the fire still in the king's eyes when he met his gaze, "I'm worried about sending you, Percival, and Mordred there alone."

"Of course you are. You are always worrying about everyone. That's your job remember?" Merlin smiled softly, "Just remember that it also all of our jobs to protect Camelot. And that's exactly what we're doing."

Arthur sighed but nodded, Merlin was right, as usual. "Come on." Merlin said, tugging the king to his feet, "You need to get some rest and I need to read this." He held up another book, one of the ones he'd gotten from the box. Which reminded Arthur...

"Hey Merlin?" The warlock glanced over and raised an eyebrow so the king continued, "When we were in the cave I heard something."

Merlin's eyes, still gold though flecks of blue had begun to appear, stared at Arthur. "What?"

"You found something in the box?" Arthur asked hesitantly.

Merlin shrugged, "I've found a lot of things in that box. Though I did find what was radiating the power. It was a crown and a ring. I can't figure out what they do though. I was going to ask Morgana if she could figure it out."

Arthur nodded, "The cave. I heard you talking to Morgana." Merlin nodded slightly, "Like I said, it can show you the future." He tugged at Arthur again, "Come on, you need to get some sleep."

He led the king back to his own room and helped him undress and get into night cloths before pushing the king into his bed. "Sleep. You need to rest."

"So do you." Arthur pointed out, "I'm not the only one who has been traveling."

Merlin smirked, "I'm just not a royal Prat. I'll live, you on the other hand, I don't know."

Arthur got comfortable, "Treason."

"I don't know how you're going to manage without me." Merlin said as he settled into a nearby chair, "You're gonna have to get George to help you."

"No! Not George." Arthur groaned. Merlin chuckled, "Glad to know you realize that I'm the best."

"No, you're the worst. Which is what makes you the best."

"Wow. That makes even less sense than usual." Merlin quipped and Arthur rolled over so his back was to Merlin. "You better not get yourself into trouble."