"Where did you learn such magic? TELL ME!" Uther knows. His reaction isn't entirely what Merlin expected, it's much more sinister. Starts in S3E1, then AU. Whump.

Sequel to Vindication. Magic has been re-introduced to Camelot, with Arthur now as the king. But times are rocky, and transitions don't always come easily. Merlin escapes the grips of a sadistic torturer only to fall into the clutches of another. Whump.

My first fanfic. Starts post-S3. Merlin and Arthur will be put through some dangerous, gritty, and tough situations before they can herald Camelot's golden age. Canon-era. Expanded summary inside.