Chapter Text
Merlin POV
"Sorcery!"
That one single word brought the world to a standstill. The spectating crowd grew silent and still, their shocked expressions frozen on their faces. Camelot's Knights rushed forward at the exclamation of their King, flooding the tournament ring as they protectively circled Uther. Every sword was pointed at the scrawny boy who had almost overpowered Camelot's King.
"Uther must have been close enough to see the boy use his magic," Gaius muttered.
Merlin kept his eyes trained on Gilli, the young sorcerer who was currently being dragged away in chains. The Knights had worked quickly to secure his weapon and shove him into the dirt, encasing his wrists in metal cuffs and wrapping chains around the top half of his body so that he could not lift a single finger.
A streak of blond caught Merlin's attention meer moments before Arthur came fully into view at his father's side. The crowd remained silent as King and Prince spoke in hushed whispered, the anticipation hanging heavily in the air. Uther said something to make his son then glance towards Merlin, beckoning him into the ring with a single wave of his hand.
Catching his wrist, Gaius said, "Tread lightly, Merlin."
The two men waited until Merlin was in earshot before speaking, and he did his hardest to concentrate on their words despite the increasing nerves raking through his entire body.
"I want you to go get my ceremonial clothes ready, Merlin," ordered Arthur.
"Why?" Catching sight of Uther's face at his questioning the Prince, Merlin quickly went on to say, "The feast to signal the end of the tournament is not until tomorrow night, Sire."
"Yes, well, it would seem that we will have an audience in attendance this evening."
"What-."
"Merlin," the prince cut in, growing irritation swimming in his blue eyes. "Just do as I say. And make yourself more presentable as well."
Not wanting to push further, especially with Uther watching silently, Merlin nodded before spinning on his heels to head in the direction of the castle. He knew the moment Arthur had mentioned his royal attire that there would be a trial tonight. Uther would want to deal with this as quickly and as quietly as possible. The entirety of Camelot saw Gilli use his magic, and the last thing the King would want is rumours to spread that sorcery is back.
The castle was already buzzing with conversation as Merlin rushed through the halls. Maids whispered in corridors and servants sneaked glances around each bend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the magic user as the Knights escorted him to the dungeons. But Merlin kept his head down and did as he was told, all the while trying to figure out what to do.
Gilli could not die. He wasn't evil; just a young boy who had wanted to show the world that he could not be picked on, thrown around or abused. Only King Uther would never see it that way. Merlin also wasn't too sure himself if Gilli would have stopped his sword from slicing through the chest of Camelot's king, but there was no time to dwell on "ifs".
Soon the night drew closer, and Merlin continued to ponder his options as he kept busy helping the other servants clean the King's receiving room before going to assist Arthur with getting ready. There had been no sign of Gaius anywhere, so Merlin knew the King must have summoned him to enquire about Gilli since his knowledge of sorcery was extensive.
"...close by my side. Merlin, are you listening to me?"
"Huh?" Meeting the Prince's questioning eyes, Merlin shook his head, the clasp on Arthur's robe slipping from his hands. "Uh, yes. Well... no, not really. I have a lot on my mind right now."
"You do?" Arthur snorted. He shooed Merlin's hands away as he reached up to clasp his robe together. "Here I was thinking that big head of yours was just for show."
When there was no sign of the usual sarcastic or witty Merlin retort, it caught Arthur's attention immediately. The Prince stepped sideways to block his servants path as he moved to set a sword on the table.
"Alright, what's wrong?"
Merlin tried his best to fake nonchalance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Clearly there is something you want to say to me, so say it," he said while crossing his arms over his chest.
"I have nothing to say because whatever I do tell you won't make a difference."
Just as he always did, Arthur easily read between Merlin's words, deciphering what it was he did not wish to speak. "Do you think we shouldn't put the boy on trial for misusing sorcery? Which - on the off chance you've forgotten - is outlawed in Camelot."
"No, I didn't say that," he said as he pushed past Arthur to lay the sword down. But the conversation had already started, so he didn't see any reason not to continue it. "I just think it's a waste of time. You already know what the outcome will be. It isn't a fair trial. Uther will have him executed."
"And he should be," Arthur declared.
It was almost impossible for Merlin not to flinch at the conviction in Arthur's tone. He truly believed that Gilli should die simply because he could use a little magic. He believed that taking the life of someone so young was justifiable. The Prince had grown up with the ideals of his father being passed down to him, so Merlin knew the road to changing Arthur's mind about magic was a dangerous one, but hearing the certainty in his words as he spoke them almost made it seem impossible.
Merlin would have to try hard to make Arthur see the good in magic.
Both men remained quiet after that point, neither of them feeling much like speaking after their small disagreement. When the time came to gather in the King's Hall, it surprised Merlin when Arthur requested his servant to stand by his side at the podium. Normally all those who serve the royal family stand along the walls, their purpose to be close in case anyone in attendance needed anything. The Prince still seemed rather annoyed at their earlier conversation, but he gave Merlin a small smile of encouragement as he took up a place slightly behind the royal family.
Morgana and Uther paid no heed to Merlin as they prepared for the trial, and it made him feel like he belonged there even more, standing right behind Arthur as he would always be.
The crowd slowly trickled in, each group representing a different part of the court, their robes flowing freely across the stone floor. Camelot's Knights entered last, arranging themselves so a path formed through the crowd, shuffling the spectators to the edges of the room as they stood defensively, ready to block anyone from harm. Four Knights escorted Gilli into the Hall, practically dragging him as his limbs remained encased in chains.
Merlin met the scared eyes of the young boy briefly before he was thrown onto the floor at the bottom of the podium steps. No-one moved to help him as he struggled to his knees, and Merlin found himself squaring his own shoulders against the need to rush forward.
"Camelot's laws regarding sorcery are known to all in the land," came Uther's booming voice as he began his speech, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. "The act of using, learning, or speaking of magic is punishable by death. These laws are what protects us from those who wish to tear apart the very lives we've built. Peace in equality is the only way forward, and sorcery, in its very essence, is not peaceful. It corrupts the mind and the soul, leaving those who wield it dangerous and unpredictable."
The King paused to glance down at Gilli, seeming to contemplate his next words. Merlin's eyed wandered the room, landing on Gaius a few rows back, the old court physician giving a barely there shake of his head. He always seemed to know when Merlin was planning on doing something reckless before even he himself knew of it. But this time there was nothing Merlin could do. The King had seen the boy use magic with his own eyes, and there was no way to make him think otherwise.
Uther's voice earnt him everyone's unshakable attention. "I hereby accuse this young man of using sorcery! He is to be hanged for his crimes at first light tomorrow morning."
People started clapping at what they all believed to be a just and fair ruling. When Arthur joined in, bowing to his father along with the court, Merlin could barely keep in the rage burning through his chest. Now was not the time nor place to speak his thoughts on the matter. Arthur may listen to his servant defend sorcery, but Uther would never tolerate such a thing and would sooner label it as treason before actually listening.
"I have something to say," called Gilli from his spot on the floor.
The room grew quiet as the boy slowly put his legs beneath him and stood, facing the King unflinchingly. Uther sat down on the throne, a curious and amused look glinting in his eyes.
"You may speak freely," Uther told the boy.
Gilli flicked his eyes over to Merlin and held them there for a split second, telling the servant more than he needed to know about what was going to transpire. "You accuse me of using sorcery, my King, but I also accuse you of something."
Merlin's heart beat spike and he rushed forward to whisper into Arthur's ear. "Get him to stop talking, Sire. He may be trying to hex the King."
"Shut up, Merlin," the Prince muttered back, giving his servant enough of a shoulder shove to send him stumbling back a few steps.
"And what is that?" Uther enquired.
"Being a hypocrite," Gilli spat. A Knight drew his sword, but quickly settled back on his heels when Uther waved him down, allowing the prisoner to continue speaking. "You sentence me to death for magic, but harbour your own sorcerer in plain sight."
Buzzing conversation erupted amongst the crowd at Gilli's statement. Merlin's eyes met Gaius's, and he saw a reflection of panic and worry in the old man's eyes. This was not good. Gilli was going to take Merlin down with him out of desperation or spite - or both. The entire room seemed to grow dark as Merlin concentrated on breathing, every inch of his body ready to react in defence if anyone tried to lock him away.
But Gilli hadn't called his name yet, and even if he did, there was still a good chance Uther would never believe him. It was the word of a dead man over that of a trusted servant. A stranger over someone who the King's son knew personally. They'd see it as a last ditch effort to remain alive; Gilli promises the King names of sorcerer's in exchange for leniency.
Taking the bait, Uther leaned forward with a deadly stare. "Pray tell, who do you believe to be stupid enough to use magic in my own castle?"
The crowd laughed at that, but there was still enough tension in the air that made the hairs on Merlin's neck stand up. He watched - just like everyone else did - as Gilli puffed out his chest, getting ready to shatter Merlin's entire world.
Only that isn't what happened. Merlin felt the warm embrace of magic as it swirled around the room, finally pinpointing where it was emanating from a split second too late. No-one had taken the ring off of Gilli's finger. The young sorcerer used it to channel enough magic to break free of the metal chains. Those nearby dove out of the way of flying metal. Knights rushed forward in an attempt to subdue Gilli, but he was beyond reason, using his magic to throw them all back against the stone columns. People screamed in fear as they rushed to safety, forgetting all about the royal family trapped utop the podium.
It wasn't until Gilli turned towards Uther that Arthur sprung into action. He drew his sword, only to be blasted back by an invisible force. He crashed into Merlin, who had tried to catch his fall. The sword sliced Merlin's thigh as they tumbled, but the servant barely noticed as he and Arthur righted themselves once more and rushed forward to Uther's side.
"Enough of this," Uther bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls.
"Oh, but I was just getting started," Gilli taunted.
Merlin felt the old magic fill the room moments before Gilli released his hold over it. A Phoenix made of fire burst into being, filling the space with sizzling heat and burning every flag of Camelot hanging from the walls. The giant bird shrieked loud enough to cause hearing loss and cause disorientation. Knights who had already regained consciousness rushed to their Kings side, ushering him to the small wooden door at the back of the podium. Merlin tried to do the same with Arthur, but the Prince only shoved him aside in his rush forward.
"Arthur, no!"
The Phoenix dove forward, aiming its fiery beak downwards as Arthur raised his sword with a warriors shout. Merlin shot his arm out and used a spell from memory that would deter the Phoenix from its mark. Shrieking in annoyance, the giant bird circled back, this time focusing its hallowed gaze on Merlin. There was no going back now. Arthur was about to be spectator to everything Merlin had tried to protect him from, but there really was no choice.
Trusting the power that surged through his veins, Merlin uttered a string of words in the old dragon tongue. He knew he needed to use old magic in order to defeat something created of the very same thing. His spell brought to life his own blue flamed beast, this one a magnificent dragon that floated in the air on strong wings. A great ball of light shot from the dragons mouth, disintegrating the Phoenix instantly, its orange flames extinguished as it fell from the air. Merlin released his hold on the dragon and it evaporated out of sight, the charring on the roof the only indication it had ever existed.
Gilli staggered back a step as Merlin's cold eyes landed on him. The servant made to move forward, to rip that ring from the boys hand, but Arthur was quick to place his sword at Merlin's neck. The cold metal dug into his skin with enough of a promise that Merlin knew to remain still. The unwavering look in Arthur's eyes told of a promise of what will happen if he so much as moved an inch.
"Arthur, you need-."
"Stop talking," he said in a deadly cold voice.
Merlin frantically cast his gaze towards Gilli. "But the ring-."
"Guards!"
Knights streamed through the door they'd taken Uther through, only pausing long enough to assess the situation in front of them. Three moved to restrain Gilli and, at the Prince's orders, removed the silver ring from the young boys hands. He trashed and screamed at them as he was dragged from the room, the sound slowly fading until it was quiet once more.
"Please, just give me a minute to explain," Merlin pleaded once it was clear Gilli would no longer be a threat.
His biggest threat right now was Arthur - the man he had sworn to protect. No matter what happened next, he knew deep in his heart that he would never use magic to bring harm to Camelot's Prince. That is why he refused to move an inch when Arthur's sword dug a little deeper into the side of his neck. Merlin just stared into his impossibly deep blue eyes and hoped to see the man who had become his friend hidden in the hatred.
"My Lord..." One of the guards hesitated, no doubt the scene of Merlin being held by sword point by the Prince a difficult one to digest.
"Arrest him," Arthur ordered the remaining two guards.
"Wait, Arthur-."
The sword disappeared from his throat, but it was instantly replaced by the Prince's hand as he violently shoved Merlin into the stone wall, knocking the air from his lungs. He did struggle this time, scratching at the hand pressing against his windpipe, but Arthur didn't seem to notice.
"It is 'My Lord' to you. Do not pretend to be so close to me, sorcerer," he said darkly.
"Please, just... listen to... me," Merlin managed to say in between gasps for air.
Some of the hostility drained from Arthur's face, and when he spoke next his voice had an edge of sadness to it. "All this time... You lied to me from the very beginning."
Arthur released him only for the guards to step forward and pin Merlin's arms behind his back. It would be all too easy to overpower them and escape, but he did not. That would only make matters worse, and he still held hope that Arthur would one day forgive him for his lies.
Turning his back to Merlin, the Prince gave one final order. "Lock him in the dungeons."