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Chapter Text

He woke with a start, his dreams leaving a haunting mark as he tries to expel them from his mind. The witchfinder was to arrive in Camelot today, a terrible thing indeed. He composed himself before he began to dress, wearing his blue shirt and red neckerchief- his finest attire if he does say so.
It wasn't like he had anything nicer. He kicked on his boots, beginning to open the door to his chambers, today promised to be as dangerous to him as to many others in the castle, for he knew the witchfinder would have someone stand accused of magic, whether it him or not.

He began the walk to his master's chambers, stopping along the way to pick up the food meant for his prince, fresh sausages and salad, he was hungry himself looking at it. Especially since his breakfast had only consisted of a roll of bread that stood just a little too stale to be comforting.

Opening the door he instantly heard a clang and a dish rolling at his feet, Arthur seemingly up and dressed already. "How is it that I always find myself with the only servant in Camelot that can be late to everything, I think you'd still be late even if my life was in peril!" Arthur yelled in his half-angry half-sarcastic tone only reserved for that of his servant.

"Sorry, Sire. I had only meant to grab your breakfast and the kitchens had not yet prepared it, am I not only a few minutes delayed?" He said in his own quizzical tone. "Well that would be a well enough excuse Merlin had I not told you yesterday I was to be ready earlier today! The Witchfinder arrives at not a moments notice. Don't blame your own incompetence on that of the Royal kitchen staff." Arthur moves closer and shoves the plate back into Merlin's arms at that "Fetch me a plate after the council meeting, we must greet the Witchfinder first and foremost, don't be late to the great hall Merlin!" He shouts as he exits the room in haste, "Of course Sire." He huffs under his breath and follows after Arthur, headed to the Kitchen as fast as he can to return the plate he had.

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"Welcome my esteemed guest Aredian, we have long awaited your presence!" Uther exclaims in happiness. "You smell it sire? The foul stench of sorcery consumes your Kingdom as it once had before." Aredian notes coldly, his expressions very little with only a stern smile planted on his lips. "Thank you for making such haste to be here, Tis the reason why we called you indeed, we have seen the evidence of sorcery within these walls and would see it eradicated immediately."

The words of Uther crash into him immediately, the fear of discovery finding him in the sweat that gathers at his brow and the shivers that run free across his back. "Yes, my methods are indeed effective, I will have this problem solved for you Uther, in fact I have already begun my findings. Allow me a council with the witness and the royal household and I will begin the plucking." The word plucking echoes as he says it, as if sorcerers were nothing more than a nuisance you could pluck from the air, gone in an instant. That could be his life.

The council disperses as the Witchfinder is shown to his Chambers, he passes Merlin with a look of disgust, eyes landing on him in such a way as if to say he already knows it's him. Merlin makes his way to the Princes' Chambers, making sure to grab his food before he enters and places it on the table, Arthur coming over to begin eating. Merlin turns to the Princes' desk to search through his papers and schedules, all strewn across in a fashion which suggests that Arthur has not bothered to read them. He never does read them , just follows the schedule to which Merlin gives him, he believes it an 'honor' to allow his servant to read such 'classified' material. That Merlin should be lucky. There is a quiet knock at the door, "Come in" He hears the prince say as he continues to stuff a loaf of bread into his mouth.

In through the door emerges that of Morgana Pendragon. "Morgana to what do I ow the pleasure!" Arthur exclaims, although the words sounding muffled with the half-eaten bread in his mouth still. "This Witchfinder business, do you not believe it unwarranted, a waste of such a well-travelled man's time? Uther believes it is right to call upon his talents based on one accusation!" Morgana says, distress clearly painting her face.

"I do believe my father is warranted for his actions, my father would see an end to Camelot itself if sorcery is left unchecked, you of all people understand this Morgana I am sure?" Arthur questions, a puzzled expression plain on his face, Morgana stares blank, eyebrows scrunched in a fashion which tells us all she is fearful of the man, and of course she is, Merlin understands.

"Listen Morgana, the man is not to be feared he will not go around accusing anyone of magic, he has methods, we will all be okay as long as we stay true to who we are." Arthur states, clearly unsure of why Morgana is distressed by the Witchfinders presence. "Of course, I don't know why I got so worked up. I am only fearful for the people of Camelot, but I am sure, as you said, he will not accuse those who are not truly sorcerers." She smiles as she takes her leave, and Merlin begins to fear for her more than he imagined he could, for she too stands at peril if this man catches on to their secrets.

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"The smoke, it came alive a great dragon blooming from its cloud. I was so fearful for my life when I had seen Sire" The girl wept before the King and Aredian, her claims had been true after all, and it was Merlin who stood in peril for the accusation, for he had conjured the dragon from the smoke. He was only glad she hadn't yet mentioned him as witness.

"Sire, from these accusations there can be no doubt, the use of enchantments and sorcery in rife within Camelot, and we can do nothing but investigate those that reside within it's walls." Aredian begins, "I can only say that I will find those surrounding this claim and find the perpetrator as soon as I can, Sire." His gaze landing on Merlin as he finishes his speech, a cold gaze and one entirely too long to have been a random occurrence. The council dispersed and those within made their way out of the Great Hall.

As he left, Merlin felt a small grasp of his arm, dragging him lightly to a corridor just off the entrance to the Hall. There Aredian gazed at the boy "Merlin is it? I would like to talk to you in private about these accusations surrounding the use of sorcery and enchantments in Camelot, you have after all been named a witness." His stare and words pierced that of Merlin, suddenly fearful of his life. He could only agree and follow Aredian to his chambers, where he would be questioned.

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As he entered with Aredian to his Chambers he couldn't help but wonder how on earth he was to escape his fate, how could he lie as if to say he did not see the smoke? It was him who cast it after all. "So, Merlin" Aredian Began "You were a witness to this event were you not? The woman who speaks of it, though seemingly distraught, has spoken for definite that you were present." Aredian smiles gleefully, possible with slight malice he couldn't tell. "No, I mean yes, I was there but I did not see the conjured spell" Merlin answers, he hoped this would be satisfactory although he also knew his tone was more shifty than sure.

"So how is it that you and the woman did not see the same things? She claims you were both witness to this treachery I do not understand how one can see and one cannot." Aredian confirms, confusion evident although overshadowed by the cruelty in his tone, still there, still pointing at Merlin. "I do not know, I confess I did indeed see the smoke, but it was just smoke I did not see the sorcery before she made her claim." Merlin answered, this time keeping a steady voice.

"So you tell me the woman lies?" Aredian questions. "No, not at all, I only speak the truth that I did not see the magic performed." Merlin replies in haste. "I see, I must look into this further it seems." Aredian stares at the boy then "I have no further need of you for now, I am sure I will see you again soon though" He smiles then and Merlin can see his intentions. He knows. "I will take my leave then, I hope you find this sorcerer, thank you." He said as he began to walk through the doors to the witchfinders chambers. "He is closer than I thought" He heard Aredian say under his breath as the door slammed to a close.

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The next morning he woke with little happiness, his energy seemingly depleted as he thought back to the exchange with Aredian. Today he may be accused of sorcery by the witchfinder himself. His methods proved true. He got up lazily putting on his favourite red shirt and blue neckerchief, choosing to wear his nicer leather boots compared to his shoddy old ones he wears on a typical basis, if he is to stand accused, he might as well have better shoes to run in.

He makes his way up to Arthurs chambers, grabbing the finest breakfast in the kitchens, in case it was the last he were ever to serve the prince. He places it at the Princes face, allowing him to begin eating as he turned over to the unpolished armor on the table. He grabs a cloth and some polish and begins his task- hoping he could get it done before the Prince's training.

"Merlin is there something wrong with you?" Arthur stated plainly, "No my lord, are you not happy with my service today? Can I help you any further?" Arthur laughed at this. "Merlin I only mean to say you have a face like you've died and returned, what is your problem today?" Arthur clapped him on the back as he spoke, peering at the half-polished armor Merlin had been working on far too slowly. "As I said sire, I have no problem, I am just tired is all, didn't sleep well." Merlin yawns after this, adding to his false excuse.

"Well if that is all perhaps you should take a break! A week off or maybe even a month would suffice would it not?" Arthur stated happily, although maybe too happily. "You're joking." Merlin stated. "Nothing gets by you Merlin, hurry up and finish that armor now." He clapped him on the back off the head as Merlin continued to work, laughing as he walked towards a sudden knock at his chamber door. Behind the door a knight, "Prince Arthur, The King requests your presence at the great hall immediately!" The knight said before turning and marching away. "You heard Merlin let's go." Arthur said, barely waiting for Merlin as he exited his chambers.

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"The well, it was covered in beetles sire, glowing things with so many eyes you couldn't count them on your hand!" One woman cried as she stood before the King. "A sorcerer my king, in the courtyard, from his face sprung flowers of all colours, his skin turned to dirt sire, disintegrating as he disappeared" Another piped in, her face full of fear. Merlin turned to Gwen then as they shared a look of fear, Gwen for the sorcerer and Merlin of something entirely different.

"My Lord, the ducks in my pond, I had wondered why they grew so fat off of what little I feed them, then this morning they were exploding sire, one by one dying with no explanation" The woman cried, holding the arm of her husband as she spoke. "The Sorcerer laughs in your face!!" Aredian suddenly yells.

"This is worse than we had expected, it is clear now that Sorcery has not at all faced the ban in which I inflicted, instead it is all across my streets." Uther said with a look of sadness. He looked hopeless o the cause until Aredian piped in. "Tis indeed glad then that I have discovered the first perpetrator sire." Aredian exclaimed, Merlin suddenly shivered involuntarily. Aredian stared daggers at him, only Arthur seemingly picking up on the exchange he too looked at Merlin with more worry than anything.

"You have found a perpetrator? You mean to say there are more than one sorcerers in our midst?" Uther yelled in outrage at the witchfinder. "I do My Lord, and I regret to say I believe one sits right here with us in the court room." Aredian does not drop his gaze even as he says this and Merlin prepares for the inevitable. He suddenly thinks of Gaius, away in a neighboring village to help a poor sick boy with an unknown illness, Gaius may return home to a kingdom without Merlin.

"This is an outrage, who is it that infiltrates my courts with sorcery and witchcraft?" He prepares for his name, the only thing Uther would need to execute him on the spot, the King may not even wish to grant him trial. "The facts point to one person and one person alone." Aredian announces.

"The boy, Merlin." He finishes, all eyes suddenly snapping to the servant in his favourite shirt and neckerchief. His cheeks begin to red at the sudden attention. Although, he knows to keep his head high in the face of the accusation, he had known it was coming and he will combat it in any way he can, knowing he has already hidden any means of magic from his chambers. He is ready to speak on his behalf when a loud voice sounds.

"Merlin? There's no way Merlin could be a sorcerer you must be mistaken." Arthur replies to accusations, furrowing his brows as he searches Merlin's face for goodness knows what. "You will hold your tongue Arthur, the boy stands accused. we will hear what Aredian has to say." Arthur stares at his father then, a flash of anger crossing his face but evidently turning it toward Aredian as he awaited his speech.

"The boy stands a witness to the first accusation of sorcery in this Kingdom, and yet he claims he did not see the conjured dragon from the smoke. The witnesses place him at this place and so does he so there can only be one conclusion." Aredian states, his maniacal grin not once leaving his face. "The boy must have practiced sorcery himself" Aredian confirms. By now the guards have made their way over to merlin, each grasping his arms tightly to allow no escape for the boy. He shudders at the too tight grip, and even more so at the faces of the knights- of whom he has seen everyday around the castle.

"I am sure a thorough search of the boys' chambers will give us all the confirmation we need My Lord." Aredian bows as he says this, the gesture confirms to the king the trust he may hold with Aredian, and soon they are all whisked of to Merlins' chambers.

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At Merlins chambers they begin to tear the place apart, guards throwing furniture and medicine around, broken glass and fabric litters the floor, devoid of what it used to be. Merlin watches in horror as they do so, restrained by the guards, whose iron grip grows slack, as if they too want to join in the destruction of Merlins world, his home. At last, Aredian smashes a container of herbs and at once retrieves a glowing object from the floor. No this isn't right, he has never seen that before. The witchfinder turns to Merlin, a sinister look. He planted it. In fact then the whole royal court residing within his room turn to him, mixes of anger and fear flood their expressions, and of Arthurs hurt.

"I don't know where that came from I swear! I am no sorcerer you must believe me!" and for a moment Arthur does, his eyes yet again turning to his father to protest, but Merlin could not wait for the deciding of his fate.

With one well-versed move he slams his heel to the boots of a guard and runs. He runs through the halls he has walked everyday, he runs through the courtyard, past the water tap, past the homes of his friends, four guards flank him to the left as he moves right, his steps keep time with his hearts erratic beats. He has truly lost everything. A horde of guards surround him as he approaches the exit. Nothing to do here. He ducks through the gap two knights leave, spotting Leons solemn face amongst them, he runs, he runs, he runs straight into the royal knights. The royal knights and Arthur. Arthur stares at him, his face riddled with a myriad of emotions he could not depict. "Arrest him." He says, an exasperated huff, disappointed, but in what?

The guards flank him, each gaining an iron grip on his jacket once more. "Careful, he is still a citizen of Camelot first and foremost, he will be treated with dignity." Arthur tells them, the grip of the men suddenly loosening as he does so, little comforts for the dead man. He is hauled to the cells as soon as they re-enter the castle, tossed against the hard stone wall as if nothing.

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The night in the cell is cold, the walls offering little shelter from the wind that whips through the small open window standing just out of reach. The bed on which on which he sleeps is made only of concrete, it offers him no warmth, and no escape. He is to die by fire and flame, a fate of which has befallen most born of magic. All of his kin. He tosses over as he tries to get comfortable, and as he does notices the eyes of morgana. She stands at his cell, sadness painted across her features. "Morgana, my lady I am sorry I did not know you were here." He stands as he speaks, knowing Morgana is set to much higher standards.

In his lowest time after all he must present himself with a little more honor. "Merlin, I am truly sorry for the fate that has befallen you, the witchfinder, Aredian, he is not a fair man. He seeks only villains in Camelot's citizens, I cannot believe he has accused you!" Morgana states, a terrified quiver entering her words as she does so. She herself stands in danger, he knows this and so does he, so he does the only thing he can to help soothe her. "Morgana." He gestures for her to move closer so as not to be heard, she abides, walking closer with her nose nearing the bars of his cell. "You must not let him find you, find out about your magic-" Morgana gasps at this, looking around to see if others had heard the exchange. "Morgana listen, I will not tell a soul of your magic, but Aredian is better than he seems, his methods do indeed prove true." Merlin states, Morgana looks at him, a confused look upon her face.

"Are you saying he was right, in condemning you Merlin?" Merlin suddenly realizes at that what his statement truly meant. "No- I mean only that he has found true evidence of sorcery within the Kingdom, he must have, he just has the wrong culprit is all." Morgana looks relieved at this, almost as if she believes there is still hope for Merlin, if he truly isn't a magic user. There is no hope. "Well, I thank you for visiting my lady, your presence was a true comfort in these, trying times." He looks down at that, his thoughts consuming him of what the morning will bring "Be safe, Merlin. We will get you out of here." Morgana says, though the slight quiver of her lip tells him she too, knows this isn't true.

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He woke with a start, water dripping from his face as he feels the effects of the water pelted at his face. "Good morning, sorcerer, it is time for some question and confession." Aredian states, the guards lifting him unceremoniously to his feet, as he is led to the room he spots Arthur chatting with the guard, his presence strange seeing as he does not usually come to the depths of the dungeons. Their eyes lock for a brief moment and Merlin feels a slight bit safer. He shouldn't have.

He is thrown into this room same as the last, the only difference is this one is filled with weapons of all shapes and sizes. "You will confess to your sorcery and scheming, or we will find a way to make you." Aredian smiles as he is tied to a chair sitting central in the room. "I am no sorcerer, I do not possess the magic to have cast any spell let alone cast it upon Camelot." Merlin says, this aids him in receiving a sharp clap to the face, to which he realizes bleeds too profusely to have been by the hand of man. as the fist is wound back he sees that of a silver glove, littered in spikes and thorns.

"As i told you, sorcerer, you will confess or harsher ways will be found to collect your confession." Aredian begins as he grabs a small knife from the wall, "Now where shall we start?"

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After the interrogation was finished Merlin felt himself feeling worse than he ever had, his face stung with the countless bruises and cuts, his lungs burn from the possible broken rib and his legs feeling dead as they force him to stand, the man had gotten nothing from him. They trudged him out as he huffed, his pain suddenly reaching a maximum after such little time using his legs. As he passed through the hallway of the dungeons, he did not see the prince, must have turned away after hearing the extent of Merlin's screams. They took him to his cell and threw him in, no care whether they jostle his newly broken rib. Aredian comes then, whispering to him as he locks the cell, "You won't be the only one."

That statement in itself is enough to rush Merlin to his feet as he crashes into the bars yelling "WHO?" The witchfinder only snickers, that sinister smile painting his lips, "The lady Morgana will join you in the flame," he says as he walks away, not a care for Merlin's sudden discomfort and fear and he smashes his fist against the bars. He has to stop this.

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By nightfall all of Camelot's guards are well and truly asleep, their soft snores echoing through the cells as Merlin gets to his feet, testing his strength and tying his boots tight as he does so. He places his hand on the lock of the cage, whispering as he does so. The cage lock collapses, falling to the stone floor with a too loud clang. He listens for the arrival of the knights of Camelot, he hears none. He begins to make his way through the corridor and away from his dungeons, grabbing a torch as he moves as quietly and as fast as he is able, only reaching the back gate as the bells begin to clang that they know of Merlin's escape.

He runs as fast as his legs will carry him through the forest, nearing the citadel he crouches behind the iron gates of Camelot, waiting for the guards to catch whim of his escape and hurry off toward the dungeons. They do so fast as Merlin rushes into the citadel, ducking behind house after house until he finds the one he needs, an abandoned thing that nobody would dare set foot in for fear of the hauntings it supposedly inflicts. The man who used to live here a sorcerer, same as he.

He sits then, staring out a small gap in the window where he can see the guards, shuffling around the city enclosing any means of escape, he saw Arthur, walking amongst his knights and demanding more efforts to find the fugitive, his face still painted in more grief than anger. He would make an effort to explain to Arthur, but first he had something to do. He stands at once, making his way out of a small back entrance of the building, running along the trail leading behind houses, he hides in a small alcove, his best bet until morning as surely the home in which he took shelter originally would be found. After all it was not the knights of Camelot who feared the home but the local people, the knights held no fear for such superstition.

He would have to make an effort to keep his own watch as the knights continue to walk the citadel, searching any home they find and any possible place he could hide. He watches them the whole night, as their numbers soon deplete and there is left only Arthur and one other who search the citadel for Merlin. He sighs at a point, wishing there had been none remaining, that Arthur might give up looking for the servant. He has no such luck as light begins to peak over the walls of the city, such a sight he would have loved to see in other circumstances. It is morning by the time Arthur makes his way back into the castles walls, stealing a small glance in his direction as he does so, as if he half-knew of Merlins whereabouts- perhaps he did know?

He follows Arthurs figure as it disappears and he knows he must make his move, he slowly lifts himself to his feet. Worried still about the state of his body which faded more so through the night, leaving only exhaustion and pain. He drags his feet over to a small homes garden, gathering clothes from their washing line in hopes of disguise- even if at some point someone may notice their washing missing and report this too as one of his actions.

He wraps himself in a thin purple cloak and puts on some old breaches and a shirt- all very plain so perfect for a quick disguise. He lifts his hood as he begins the walk through the citadel. He walks until he reaches the castle, launching himself through a side door and running as fast as his feet will carry him up the stairs and through the halls. His legs feel almost devoid of energy. He slumps against the doorway of where he has travelled and knocks with as much energy as he can muster. The knock is answered with a click of the lock and a stunned face staring at him in fear.

"Morgana, I have come to warn you" He states, breath still trying to catch up to his words as he speaks. She hurries him in at once, locking the door hastily behind them. Gwen gasps as she sees the boy, offering a chair and a slightly fearful face for his state. "What happened to you? Merlin was this the Witchfinder?" Morgana questions, staring intently at his broken form. He sits in the offered chair and catches his breath, "I am okay my lady, it is you who stands in peril. The Witchfinder, Aredian. He knows of you." He stares at Gwen as he says this, making sure to not fully spill to which fact the witchfinder knows about. Gwen stares in confusion at Morgana. "Merlin, I know too of The Witchfinders presence, I will be careful." She states, also trying to hide her secret from her maid servant.

He sighs, relief flooding his features as he accepts the rest that the chair seems to offer, he had almost felt settled until a speedy knock sounded at the door. Upon hearing it his his body moves involuntarily, pain creeping up his torso as he moves to hide behind the changing screen. Morgana shoots him a pitying look as she heads to unlock her chambers door. "Morgana, may I speak with you?" Arthur states, a little happier in his tone, Morgana allows him entry as he sits on the chair Merlin once did. He glares around the room, a small smile still planted on his face.

"You wanted to speak?" Morgana draws his attention. "Yes, kit seems that our fugitive has escaped the cells this night previous, I personally was out searching for him all night. We have a few reports of him returning to the castle, I just wanted to check you haven't seen anything.. strange." Arthur says, standing as he does so. He begins to pace around the Chambers, giving merlin a fright as he nears his position of hiding. "To be sure I have not seen anything but I will of course tell something if I had." Morgana states hurriedly, trying to brush Merlin the direction of the exit as she does so. "You know I'd believe you, but I know that Merlin is currently hiding behind that screen." He says as he again draws closer to the screen, Merlin can just about see him through its small gaps, fear striking him in a way he would never assassinate with Arthur.

"Aren't you Merlin?" He says in that sarcastic tone, Merlin slowly emerges from the screen, allowing his hand to rest on it just to support his aching limbs. The Prince looks at him with his battered body and for a moment Merlin sees sympathy in his eyes, before this turns to anger. "Merlin, why on earth would you not escape the citadel when you could, you got out the dungeons alright!" Arthur argues, his arm suddenly coming to support Merlin better as he sways. "Sire, I can assure you I didn't-" Merlin begins to plead his case. "No Merlin, I know it cannot be you, you have served me on your hands and knees for the past year, had you any magic I am sure you would be better at your job." He laughs at the boy, giving him a small clap on the back, earning a groan from Merlin as it hits a particularly tender spot from yesterdays affairs.

"Listen, Merlin, I've no idea why you didn't escape when you could, but we need to get you out of Camelot before-" Another knock sounds at the door, this one rushed and angry. They all turn to face it each of their faces painted with the same expression of fear. Arthur drags merlin by the arm before he can think, grouching down with him this time behind the bed of Morgana. She draws the beds curtains in a haste before unlocking the door. "Lady Morgana, by order of the King you are to be detained." The knight states, "I don't understand, I am to be detained? For what purpose?" Morgana cries as she backs away from the grasp of one guard.

"The King is charging you with high treason, under the judgement of the witchfinder as you too are thought to be a sorcerous." She pauses then, her eyes of pure shock as the men grab her by the arms. Arthur has had enough as he emerges from the curtains, exposing Merlin too as he does so. "You cannot do this, Morgana is the King's ward she is not a sorcerous!" He wrestles with the men as more draw into the room. Two men find Merlin dragging him up from where he and Arthur had hid saying "The boy we search for! He too is hiding with the sorcerous!" The grip tightens on Merlins weak limbs as he half-heartedly tries to break free.

Arthur turns towards him with a sorry expression. "This is an outrage, you condemn them with no proof!" Arthur argues as he too is restrained. "We have enough proof, My lord." Aredian is suddenly behind them, orchestrating the dragging of the three friends out toward the great hall, where they are sure all of Camelot will wait them and judge them. They are thrown to the floor, Merlin more harshly than others.

"Morgana I do not know what to say, I have raised a sorcerous, and a traitor." Uther spoke, anger in his voice as he does so. "You only see enemies in your people sire, to think not even your ward is safe from you is a pity indeed. You will have no friends Uther Pendragon, No allies." Morgana states in a strong tone. "You have been accused of sorcery by the highest of intellectuals Morgana, and caught red handed in harboring this boy."

This earns merlin a kick to the legs, forcing him to kneel before the king. "And you Arthur? Harboring the boy? Helping him? You are more of a disappointment than I could have ever known." Arthur stares, a stoic look on his face, although he does not speak on the injustice. "I am only glad that I have caught the perpetrators and we can have them burnt." Uther says, no comfort in his tone but only a cold expression.

"You can't do this!" Arthur screams as he tries to wench himself free of the hard grasp of his knights. "It is the only way to set things right. They will be executed tomorrow morning, by fire and flame. Then Arthur, you will see how they harm our kingdom. They dragged them both away as Arthur kneel screaming on the floor for his father to reconsider, that these were not capable of magic but the finest friends of Camelot.

Arthurs screams echo in his mind still as he settles in for sleep, with Morgana in the cell opposite him, and a pyre building outside his window.

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He wakes with a start to the rustling of keys at his cell, the sun peaking through the same window that offered him the cold breeze all night long. Today they were to be executed on the charge of treason. It is a wonder how the King saw it fit to have no trial for his ward. The lady in question stands sorrowfully at her own cell, grasped tightly by the Kings guard who prepares to take them both to the abnormally large shared pyre. At least they are to burn together.

As he is grasped by the shoulders they are led out of the dungeons towards the courtyard. He sees the faces of many he knew throughout the castle. They all stare with a disgust and rage that could only have been placed there by the idle King. These people fear magic more than can be imagined, and it is all at the fault of Uther Pendragon.

Soon, they arrive at the square, the pyre standing tall before them, the image makes them both freeze in retreat, this is how they die. At the hands of Uther Pendragon, a man who would not see the difference between friend or foe. A man who has condemned and killed too many of their kind. He looks up and Uther stands coldly on the balcony, shrouded in his royal robes and crown. Arthur stands nowhere to be seen, perhaps he just does not wish to see them die. Or maybe the event was not important enough for him to attend. They do, after all, have a lot of executions.

The two are walked up to the pyre and tied harshly to the wooden beam that protrudes from the pile of ragged wood. Their arms first, leaving a jutting pain as they are tied just too tightly. Then their legs which he are sure would fall off from the lack of circulation left in them. The two in the end, stood back to back, only the wooden beam separating them. He who faced the onlooking citizens, and Morgana facing the king. An example, he's sure. To prove that not even the King's ward can get away with the treasonous act of magic.

There are chants that bellow from the citizens bellow them, all kinds of speeches of hatred and fear and anger bounce of of the kingdoms walls. Merlin understands quickly how fast even the mention of magic can turn anyone on anyone. For the truth is, here in Camelot if you are accused of any such crime, anyone would could burn you.

The roaring dies down as the King begins his speech, Merlin tries his best to not listen to the bellowing of Uther Pendragon, but he does catch one phrase as he stares dreamily into the crowd. "Those who practice magic are not welcome in the prestigious kingdom we have built. They practice evil and nobody is ever safe. It seems not even citizens at the very heart of Camelot are indifferent to these traitorous acts, I do now decree that the witchfinder is to stay indefinitely, and all accusations made by him will be taken with the utmost vigilance. Understand this, if you are accused of enchantment by Aredian ,you will be burnt without trial." Uther seems proud as he says this, earning a few cheers from the public below. Although the fearful faces many now carry overshadows this.

"He truly wishes to kill his whole Kingdom? The very notion of no trial could allow Aredian to accuse anyone! I mean even you were wrongly accused Merlin" Morgana whispers to him, hand slightly moving in a distressed manor behind her. He grasps at her hands in an attempt to offer comfort, and she does too relax at this. They are in this together. "Morgana, I believe the fate that awaits Camelot may be worse than we ever dreamed, the tyrant King will soon be without any friends, any ally's, Camelot will fall to Uther pendragon." Morgana squeezes his hand at this, and he's sure if he could see her face a bright smile would spread across it.

"You two are charged with treason," He addresses them "Do you have anything to say for yourselves before you are punished accordingly for your actions." It is Morgana that speaks to this, as she always would do for her people. Morgana does not go down without a fight. "You, Uther Pendragon, you punish those you hold dearest for unproven crimes. It does not take a sorcerer to see that one by one you would rather kill your people than take them at there word. You would charge your whole kingdom if they had all mentioned the word magic. One by one you make enemies of us all and you, Uther, will be the destruction of Camelot." Morgana finishes with a courageous shout, her hands squeezing his ever so tighter as fear overlap them both.

He can't see his face, but he is sure Uther wears a look of outrage at her words, but he will not take them to heart, for he would never listen to the word of an accused sorcerer, not even if it is his own ward. The torch's draws nearer as the execution is planned to begin, the guards swarming the pyre in a rehearsed fashion , as they had performed too many times before. The torch's touch the woos, only one managing to light the branches before a "STOP!"

He recognizes the sound of Arthurs voice as the wild flames begin to expand. The rest of the guards torches having not yet touched the pyre- paused at the words of the crowned prince. "I have proof that it is not they who are the sorcerers, cut them down!" The guards stare at the prince at this but begin moving towards the pyre in haste to remove them from the already uncontrollable flames that have not yet reached them "NO! They will stay on the pyre until you can explain Arthur." Arthur looks shocked at this and shares a worried look with the two, who both stare at the flames licking closer and closer.

"Sire, they will burn before I can explain you must-" He starts "NO! You must give your explanation first boy I will not waste a pyre." Uther states coldly. Arthur stares at the two again in fear. The flames begin to lick at their feet. "They cannot be the sorcerers simply because the sorcerers never existed. This evidence was given to me by a tradesman, it is given to women as a beauty cosmetic." The fire reaches their legs, scorching their skin as they both let out a pained cry, Arthurs turns to them and speaks at a faster pace.

"The shopkeeper stated upon further investigation it contains a hysteria drug. One which can produce hallucinations. I have questioned all of the woman and they say they too bought and used the product." Uther considers this, he could hear the quiet murmurs of the King from his place on the balcony. But he could only focus on the growing burns on his legs, sure that morgana too was feeling the pain as her hand grips his too tight.

Probably at the word of the King, he suddenly sees Arthur leap close to the pyre "Merlin!" He yells as he throws a dagger to his and Morganas interlocked hands. He pries away his hand just in time to catch the weapon and free their hands, then leaning to their feet and cutting those free despite the sting of the flames to his hand as he does so. They both jump from the pyre, landing in heaps on the floor. The pain to which they could not feel fully on the pyre, now very present.

Arthur runs to the both of them and he vaguely hears the call for help to anyone who may with Gaius still outside of Camelot. He hoists Merlin over his shoulder and calls for a knight to do the same for the lady morgana, rushing them both toward the physicians quarters. The two are placed on tables as a few of the kingdoms citizens search over their injuries. Healers from the lower town, not as skilled as Gaius but it would have to do. They healers worked in tandem for hours, patching up the burns of the pairs legs and Merlins blistered hands. It's nightfall by the time they too can retire. Arthur having agreed to watch over them through the night.

The lady morgana had been moved later in the night, Merlin awaking later in the night to the sight of just Arthur, laying his head on the table near Merlins legs. He grumbled, suddenly feeling the pain once more, and as he did Arthurs face shot up in fear. "Sire? Are you alright?" He asks, pain and grogginess clearly laced in his words. "I should be asking you the same, he grips his hand as the other reaches for a tonic, pain relief. He reaches it to Merlins lips and Merlin takes it gratefully. "Merlin. You have to know how truly sorry I am, I knew it couldn't have been you a sorcerer, you have always gone beyond loyalty in your practice. As soon as you were accused I went looking as to who could have done it. I of course didn't know it'd be Aredian himself."

"Aredian?" Merlin answers, confused at the sudden admittance. "Yes, right, I didn't tell you. Aredian sold these beauty cosmetics to the shopkeeper, he framed you both and you paid the price." Arthur looked sad in his confession, sad at what had happened to them in the wake of the witchfinders treachery. He gripped his hand, "Its alright Arthur, I think we're all just happy we weren't burnt to death." He laughed slightly and so the smile on the Princes face grew. "Of course I may need a few days off." Arthur laughed. "I'm sure a good night sleep will allow you to work bright and early! Now lets get you to a real bed." He stared down at the table that Merlin was resting on and hooked his arms beneath Merlins torso and legs. "What are you doing-" He was lifted off the table before the Prince could reply.

"What does it look like? Your bed will be much more comfortable for you, you simply can't sleep on hard wood." He answers. He carries Merlin to his room where he places him softly to the pallet. Merlins exhaustion alone allowing no further debate. He settled into the duvet as best he could through half-lidded eyes as Arthur settled in the chair next to him. He was about to drift off when he said "Thank you, Arthur." Arthur only smiled and nodded, allowing sleep to consume Merlin as best it could, he heard a small. "Sleep well" as sleep finally took him.