Knowing that Rapunzel wouldn't tell Uther was, well, a little bit reassuring, but not enough to return the colour to Merlin's face. "I can't let anyone else know now," he said, sounding a little panicked. "If Uther comes here, and he hears anyone even mentioning that I have magic..."

And not just Uther. If Uther could be brought here, then who else? Arthur? One of the knights? Or even Morgause. Any one of them finding out that he had magic would be a disaster.

"Pascal? So you had a friend you could rely on come with you, at least?" Merlin said. He still though going off with a thief was probably not the best idea, but if Rapunzel had had someone to protect her if need be, that at least was a lot better.