Previously...

Will turned to Merlin, a slow, evil grin spreading on his face.

Merlin gulped.

***

"THE STOCKS!?!' Merlin yelled as another tomato was thrown at his head. Will leant on top of the wooden frame, laughing as the children threw more vegetables at his brother. "Why?! Why would you do this to me?!"

"You need to learn your lesson," Will chuckled, dodging a cabbage. "Besides, I find it very amusing."

"Dollophead," Merlin muttered but it only made Will laugh harder. He stopped when two young ladies approached them, one smiling at Will fondly while the other only scowled. "Ah, hello Gwen," Will said with a grin. "And Sophie, of course. Come to watch the show?"

The first girl rolled her eyes, shaking her head at the him. She turned to Merlin, crouching down slightly to his height. "You must be Merlin," she said. "I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid." She reached out to shake Merlin's hand in the awkward position it was in having been locked in the stocks. "And this is Sophie. She's the Lady Tessa's and the Lady Jessamine's maid."

"It's good to meet you, Gwen, Sophie," Merlin said. "But most people call me Idiot." He glared at Will whose smile did not fade even in the slightest.

"Well, I thought you were very brave," Sophie said. "Despite what Will says, I'm pretty sure he agrees that you were right to stand up to Arthur. But I'm glad you walked away before he really hurt you." Merlin snorted.

"I could have beaten him."

"To hell you could," Will said. "Please don't encourage his idiotic behaviour, ladies."

"As if we encourage him when he has you as a brother," Sophie muttered. "You're a troublemaker, William Herondale. And don't you dare deny it!" Will's grin spread even more.

"I was almost hurt by that, Sophie, my dear," he said, mock hurt lacing his voice. "You have pierced an arrow through my heart with your words."

"I think we'll leave you now," Gwen interfered before Sophie could spit back a reply. "It seems your fans are waiting, Merlin. But we'll see you tomorrow night at the feast."

"Of course, ladies," Will said, bowing deeply. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

***

In the council chamber, King Uther sat with Lady Helen, dining together before the feast the next night. Uther always revelled in having a new courtier join him. Sometimes it could get rather lonely as king, especially with the same people to have to talk to each day. Lady Helen was like a breath of fresh air.

"Will you sing for me tonight?" Uther asked, looking up at his guest with a demanding smile.

"You will have to wait, Sire," Lady Helen replied, a cheeky sparkle in her eyes as if she knew exactly what Uther wanted.

"You will not deny me," Uther said but not forcefully. He quite enjoyed this game of cat and mouse, especially with such a clever and willing participant.

"I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow," Lady Helen laughed softly. "Will everyone be there?"

"No one would dare miss it," Uther said, acknowledging his finest singer's talent.

"And your sons? Will they be attending?"

Uther froze slightly. He was not used to such a personal question being thrown at him. Of course, Lady Helen was probably just being polite, but the matter of his two sons was a delicate subject.

"Well..." Uther said hesitantly. "Arthur is always training. I can hardly get a word in myself sometimes as he's forever off on hunting trips or riding."

"And Jem?" Lady Helen pressed, innocently taking a bite of her food. "He was ever such a polite boy when I met him at lunch, and so handsome too. And yet I fear he is not long for this world, is he?"

"James' health has always been fragile," Uther said sharply. "He was born with an illness which stemmed from his mother's difficulties during pregnancy, and that is why he cannot be king. He simply does not have the strength. It does not matter anyway; Arthur has proved to be a much better heir. He is not as soft as James and I know he will make the hard decisions a king must."

"Poor boys, to have grown up without a mother," Lady Helen sighed.

"It hasn't been easy," Uther conceded, sitting back in his chair. "And many have advised me to re-marry, but I'm afraid it is too late to replace the boy's mother."

"Yes," Lady Helen said, a strange edge to her voice. "It's too late for the princes indeed."

***

Will wasn't there that night. Apparently, Prince Jem's health had taken bad turn suddenly and he needed Will's help at all times. Merlin would never mention it, but he could tell Will was worried. When he had packed his satchel full of the medicines Gaius had given him, his blue eyes were unusually tired. That was why Merlin decided not to mention the fact that he had seen Lady Helen's strange book of magic and voodoo doll...but more so he hadn't said anything of his latest fight with Arthur in the market square. Gaius had already laid into him because of that, and he really didn't want Will to find out about it.

But when he heard the deep, booming voice in his ears again, he was really starting to wonder if he should tell Will about it. Once again, he heard his name being called from the very depths of the castle. But unlike before, he wasn't able to ignore it.

Quietly sneaking from his room, Merlin made his way through the castle and down the steps towards the dungeons. After muttering a quick spell to distract the guards, he lit a torch and stepped into the darkened corridor.

"Going to see the Dragon, are we?"

Merlin jumped almost a foot high at the sound of Will's voice. He drew closer to where he heard it only to find Will leaning against the tunnel with his arms crossed over, looking at him intently.

"How the hell did you know I was here?" Merlin asked. Will only raised an eyebrow, indicating that he just had one of his Oracle 'feelings'. "I thought you were with Jem."

"He's asleep," Will answered. "But he's recovering. He just had a bad attack, but it's nothing that he hasn't dealt with before. Anyway, I just had a feeling that you'd be wandering down here, so I suppose I have to introduce you to Kilgharrah - the Great Dragon." Before Merlin could ask more, Will had taken the torch from his grasp and let the way down the corridor until it opened up into a huge rocky cabin. Merlin stood on the edge of the cliff, looking out while Will just sat on a rock.

Suddenly, the great sound of flapping wings broke the silence and Merlin rapidly stepped back as the huge dragon flew towards him, settling on rock in front of them.

"Ah, the young Oracle returns, and I see you have brought your brother, the warlock."

"Yes, I was hoping that you might be able to tell him about his destiny," Will replied tiredly. "I need him to understand."

"Of course," the Dragon said. "Your gift was given to you for a reason, Merlin. Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion, and his brother, James, is the bridge that will help him cross between the world of magic and the world of men. But Arthur faces many threats from friend and foe alike."

"I don't see what this has to do with me," Merlin said.

"Everything, brother," Will replied, as serious as he had ever heard him. "Without you and me, Arthur will never succeed and there will be no Albion."

"None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin," the Dragon said, "and none of us can escape it. With William watching over the future, and you watching over the present, you can save the two princes that represent all our hopes. Without Arthur, the magic cannot be welcomed back. Without Jem, Arthur will never trust magic enough to restore it."

"No, no way," Merlin protested. "There has to be another Arthur because this one is an idiot!"

"Perhaps it is your destiny to change that," the Dragon said. He then spread his wings and flew upwards, disappearing in the darkness.

"No wait!" Merlin cried. "I-I need to know more!"

"You won't get anymore," Will said softly. "The Dragon first summoned me here when I arrived in Camelot two years ago. He told me of our destiny then, how we need to protect Jem and Arthur. That was why I was so angry at you for starting a fight with Arthur - because he has to trust you so you can protect him. Oh, and I know about the other fight in the market today, by the way. Gaius told me."

"Yeah...well, he started it," Merlin said meekly. Will only rolled his eyes and stood up.

"You see, Merlin, this is the reason we have our gifts. We are magic's only hope to be free again. And I need you to take that seriously."

Merlin hesitated, stopping and thinking for a moment. When he had asked Gaius for a reason, he hadn't thought it was going to be for Arthur's protection. But maybe this wasn't so bad. After all, he didn't have to be near Arthur at all times. Jem was just as important.

"Okay," he said finally. "I'll help you." Will smiled, clapping his brother's shoulder.

"Good."

***

Will knocked on the door of Jem's room, entering when he heard Jem answer. Inside, the prince was already changed for the feast which wasn't a rare occurrence. Jem always preferred to do most of the daily tasks himself, although he did need a manservant for other things. Will remembered first meeting Jem, almost two years ago now.

He had been minding his own business just walking down the corridor to Gaius' but suddenly stopped and hid behind a wall when he saw Jem stalking down the corridor with Uther on his heels, yelling at him to stop.

"James, stop this right now!" Uther had demanded. "You are a prince of Camelot and you need to start acting like one!"

"And why would you care?" Jem had said, whirling around to face his father but with no venom in his voice. "I am the weak and feeble son, aren't I? I do not matter."

"Perhaps you are not the centre of my attention," Uther said harshly. "But you will be if you do not behave and perform your duties!"

"I told you before, I never wanted to be a prince!" Jem exclaimed. "I thought you'd be glad of me staying out of your way."

"I need you here for Arthur's sake!" Uther hissed. "If you will not lead by example for me, then do it for him. You know that he looks up to you more than he lets on. So you will act like the prince you are or you'll be very sorry." Jem sighed, dropping his head in a mixture of tiredness and defeat.

"Yes, father," he conceded.

"Good," Uther said. "Now, I've found you a new manservant. Gaius has just taken in a boy who is looking for work. I'll have him report to you tomorrow morning."

And later that night, Gaius told Will of his new job, and Will couldn't have been more pleased.

Tonight, Jem had opted to dress in a dark blue and grey tunic, matching his silver hair and eyes perfectly. To Will, Jem could have dressed in anything and he would still look like a fallen angel. Jem turned to face Will, smiling slightly.

"I asked Tessa if she would like me to accompany her to the feast tonight," he said. "As friends, of course, but also to keep up appearances with my father."

"It's a good idea," Will replied, walking fully into the room. "Better then getting stuck with Lady Jessamine." Jem chuckled in agreement, leaning forwards and pecking Will on the lips.

"Although, I do wish I could go with you," he said softly.

"One day, my love," Will whispered in reply, running his hands smoothly though Jem's hair. "But we have to be patient for now."

"I know," Jem said, wrapping his hands round Will's neck. "And I suppose there is something fun about keeping our relationship a secret." Will smirked, leaning down to kiss Jem again but was interrupted by a knock at the door. The two sprang apart as Will grabbed Jem's cloak to keep up appearances of him being a servant in case it was someone they hadn't told. Jem called for the person to come in. Will breathed a sigh of relief when he was it was Tessa, looking stunning in her midnight blue gown. She eyed the two suspiciously.

"Did I interrupt something?" she asked. Will blushed red but Jem, as cool and calm as ever, only smiled.

"No," he replied. "At least, you just avoided it."

Will fastened Jem's cloak on and stepped aside, allowing Jem to offer his arm to Tessa. "Shall we go see just how mad Morgana can make my father tonight then?" Tessa laughed and nodded, and the two left the room but not before Jem caught Will's eyes. Will knew that look. It was one of longing and love that Jem knew he couldn't have...at least not yet.

Shaking his head, Will followed the pair from the room and to the feast.

***

Merlin was completely and utterly bored. How could a servant enjoy the feast when all they had to do was serve wine and food to greedy nobles? The only interesting part so far was the Lady Morgana walked in wearing a very scandalous dress, most likely just to annoy Arthur and Uther. Other than that (and a very awkward conversation with Gwen) nothing of any note had happened.

The King was sat at the top table, with Arthur to his right. Next to Arthur was a very bored looking Lady Jessamine who refused to look up from her plate. Morgana sat to Uther's immediate left, engaging in conversation with Jem and Tessa who were placed next to her.

"Will," Merlin whispered to his brother who was standing next to him. Will, who was staring at Jem longingly, broke from his daze to glace at Merlin. "When does Lady Helen start her performance?"

"In a moment," Will murmured. "Why?"

"Because I need to tell you something about her-"Merlin was interrupted when Uther stood from his seat, signalling for the nobles to be quiet.

"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity," he said regally. "It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."

An applause rippled through the crowd as Lady Helen stepped up on the stage, adjusting her dress before looking up to face her audience.

The moment the music started, Merlin's senses were all on edge. Something was very wrong here. All around him, courtiers and nobles were slowly dropping their heads to the tables, their eyes fluttering closed. Next to him, Will was also starting to struggle, sliding down the wall.

"Merlin..." he murmured, his words slurring together. "Lady Helen...magic...save...Jem...and...Arthur..."

 But Will couldn't keep his eyes open any longer and he quickly succumbed to the spell. Quickly, Merlin covered his ears to block out the sound of Lady Helen's singing. She was moving towards the head table where Arthur, Jem, the ladies and the King were falling asleep too. Cobwebs were starting to appear as the room became darker and colder. Merlin had never felt such magic anywhere before. But when Lady Helen slipped a dagger from her sleeve into her hand, Merlin's heart froze in fear. She raised her arm to throw it at the vulnerable Arthur.

On pure panic and instinct, Merlin looked up to the chandelier and made the chain snap. Lady Helen yelped as it fell on top of her, crushing her into the floor. Around him, the courtiers and servants began to stir, lifting their heads in confusion. Will also awoke, rising to his feet slowly with his eyes immediately going to Jem to check he was alright. Uther and Arthur rose to their feet, staring at Lady Helen.As Merlin watched, he was shocked to see her face change and morph, growing much older and more haggard.

"Oh my god," Will muttered as Merlin recognised her as the old woman whose son was executed the moment he arrived in Camelot. The witch then raised her head, lifting her arm and flinging the knife at Arthur.

Once again, Merlin felt his magic bubbling beneath the surface of his skin and his eyes flashed gold. Around him, time slowed down as he ran at Arthur, grabbing his arm and pulling him from the path of the knife. Both tumbled to the floor at Will's feet as the dagger embedded itself into the wood of Arthur's chair, making the Lady Jessamine scream in fright.

"You saved my boy's life," Uther said, looking at Merlin in absolute shock. "A debt must be repaid."

"Oh, well..." Merlin stammered, words failing him.

"Don't be so modest," Uther said. "You shall be rewarded."

"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness," Merlin babbled, uncomfortable about the amount of attention he was getting.

"You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household," Uther announced. "You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant!"

"Father!" Arthur protested but was drowned out by the deafening applause. Behind him, Will was applauding Merlin the most, whooping in delight at his brother's new found position. Merlin glared over his shoulder at him but couldn't help but smile at how proud Will looked.

Maybe this destiny thing would work out after all?*********************************************************************************************

Well, that's the first episode done! Hopefully you enjoyed it! It's a bit different to what I usually write but I love Merlin and TID so much and they fit each other so well that I just had to write it.

Vote and comment and tell me what you think!

Love y'all!

CricketCat