Chapter 1

As the sun set an eerie atmosphere had spread around the camp; the Knights of Camelot had been in Camlann for two days, preparing for the battle which lay ahead. A sense of nervousness prevailed in the air, as men passed each other preparing their weapons and themselves for the challenge that lay ahead. The battle had been coming for a while, as reports about Morgana massing an army of Saxons had reached Camelot. With towns outside being ransacked and raised to the ground, they knew a flashpoint was coming very shortly.

Arthur left his tent keeping a wary eye on everything around him. He was totally alert for anything unexpected. He had been in this situation so many times before, soon the battle would begin and once more he would lead his Knights to war. The responsibility rested awkwardly on his shoulders. For all his life he had been prepared for moments like these, but he doubted he would ever get used to the feeling of dread, which accompanied such situations.

He had fought in many battles and been on many quests, but he knew this challenge was very different. This would be Camelot's most important battle, and Arthur was not afraid to admit that he was very nervous.

If they allowed Morgana to win then the life they knew would be destroyed forever. For endless weeks they had all watched thousands of people heading for Camelot. These people had seen their villages and loved ones murdered by a ruthless and determined army, led by a woman who was both feared and hated in equal measures. The fact that Morgana was his own sister only added to the sense of despondency which hung around him.

He sighed to himself as he thought about her. There was a time when Morgana had been a brave and principled young woman, who would help anyone. He despaired when he thought about how desperate and ruthless she now was. What had happened to the beautiful sister he had once known? What had turned her so much into the dark, that she could do such sinister things?

This was a woman in her earlier days who had gone out of her way to help people; a person who was courageous enough to question their father Uther Pendragon; while no one else, had dared. But here she was leading an army that was terrorising Camelot and it's outlying villages, and leaving people dead and whole communities destroyed. What had turned this person from a caring individual to someone who thought nothing about leaving children fatherless, and old people slumped on the side of roads.

Arthur shook his head sadly as he contemplated the madness of the world around him. In the next couple of days they would meet Morgana in a huge battle, who knew what would happen after that? Would it be a world born of light, or would they all be thrown into utter darkness and chaos? A cold dread ran down his sudden cold body. He suddenly realised there was something he needed to do.

Taking a scroll, Arthur sat at his table and attempted to write a letter to his wife Guinevere. For a moment he thought about her holding the fort back in Camelot. If this battle was to be his last he wanted to make sure the woman he loved, understood just how proud he was of her. He knew should he not return to Camelot her job would be extremely challenging. But he also knew she was an exceptional woman who would rise to the task at hand. The way she had swung into action the moment refugees had started arriving in Camelot, was testament to that. Even as he left he had seen her helping Gaius in the makeshift hospital, as well as attending meetings with the Lords of the court; all the while making sure she kept an optimistic face to everyone around her.

Arthur knew if things went badly she would need every ounce of her courage and determination, to overcome the odds she would face. The thought of never seeing her again, had made him feel suddenly restless. He threw his chair back and paced around his mind in turmoil. He knew this battle would be his biggest test yet of his leadership; the forces of evil were growing bigger by the day. Even now he could hear their dreaded drums playing in the distance. A constant beat which entered his head, getting ever louder, the more he wished the noise away.

He took a deep breath and steadied himself. As he breathed out a sudden calmness prevailed and he relaxed. He always got nervous before battles, a man who was not afraid before a battle, was a man who had no respect for living. Life was a constant stream of challenges and uncertainties especially for the young King of Camelot. A life time of preparation for becoming the leader could only get you so far. In the end it was how you dealt with the endless crises and problems which occurred. While he knew he had made some mistakes he also knew he was getting better at accepting the responsibility. It was still daunting and at times lonely, despite the support of his wife and friends, but here on the battlefield lay an altogether different challenge. Yet despite it all he suddenly felt ready for it.

It was as if the moment of doubt he'd had, was somehow a necessary occurrence; a step that allowed him to see the world for what it was, and his place in it. As the pressure around him disappeared he walked back over to the table, with a determination to complete his task; if he could lead an army he could certainly write a letter. As he pulled his chair back it was then the pot fell onto the floor, almost crashing onto his foot. By some miracle it had avoided contact, and Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. How embarrassing would a broken foot be, when he was suppose to be leading his army into battle.

He sighed in frustration; it was typical that Merlin had left the pot in such an awkward place. His servant could be so forgetful and stupid at times. He could feel himself getting annoyed just thinking about him, how long did it take to wash some pots anyway? He had been gone ages. It was typical of his friend that even when he wasn't with him, Arthur could still find something that annoyed him.

He had never known a person who had so much talent for frustrating him, yet despite it all the world would not be the same without him. He briefly thought back to the boy that arrived in Camelot, and had stupidly challenged the King's son. All of a sudden Arthur's annoyance had all but evaporated. His friend was unique, of that there was no doubt. If only he could teach him to be tidier.

He settled down and prepared to write, suddenly finding a flow of words from somewere. Once he had finished it he would check the latest reports of the scouts in the area. The battle was looming nearer Arthur could feel it in every bone in his body. As the feelings of tension increased his face crunched in concentration. Just as he was starting to get into it, the quiet was interrupted with a load of clanging and chatter, as Merlin re-entered the tent.

"I swear that stream gets further and further away each time." He moaned, nosily putting the pots down on the table, water squirting onto the scroll.

"Merlin!" Arthur said, looking up irritation, trying to dry the scroll.

"Sorry." Merlin replied, a grin on his face. "What are you doing anyway? I thought you would be getting some rest."

"Rest?" Arthur said sarcastically, "Fat chance with you around. If you must know I am writing to Guinevere."

"Hasn't she got enough on her plate?" Merlin said, "I would have said looking after Camelot was enough to contend with, without trying to work out one of your ponderous letters."

Arthur rolled his eyes, as his friend grinned at his comment. No one else found his jokes more amusing, then Merlin himself; Arthur had no intention of encouraging him. He continued writing, but naturally Merlin continued to babble on.

"There is real chill in the air. Even Percival was jumping about tonight. Gwaine of course is just driving everyone mad with his endless chatter."

"Merlin will you be quiet please, I am trying to concentrate." Arthur snapped.

"You are being serious." Merlin replied, as if the thought had only just occurred.

"Yes I am being serious. I may never see Guinevere again; this battle is the biggest we have faced. Probably the biggest challenge of my life, so if you don't mind I need some moments to myself." Arthur said, surprising himself with his words.

There was a pause before Merlin replied. "Arthur you will overcome this challenge, I have total faith in you. I have never doubted you and when we return to Camelot your name will be revered, and spoken by everyone."

Arthur looked up in surprise. It wasn't the first time that Merlin had come out with such words, and for a moment it was like looking at a different person. No longer was he the bumbling, clumsy servant, who accompanied Arthur everywhere. No longer was he the rude and annoying person who always had the last word. But as he looked at him, not for the first time Arthur recognised the look of confidence in Merlin's eyes. It was almost as if he had depths of knowledge and wisdom, but beyond that it was the belief in Arthur that those eyes possessed. He suddenly felt humble as if he had been blessed. In that moment, Arthur realized that Merlin was not just an annoying servant, but an important friend, his most important friend.

Arthur watched Merlin quietly leave the tent.

"Thank you." Arthur said, though he wasn't sure what he was most thankful for. Was it Merlin's confidence in him, or just the fact that the young King felt so lucky to have such a friend? As Merlin's shadow disappeared the quietness of the tent overwhelmed Arthur suddenly. Merlin was an enigma, if he didn't know it before, he certainly knew it now.

As Merlin left the tent his mind wandered for a second. The moon was full tonight, giving the land a beautiful bright glow, to hide out the ugliness that existed within it. Soon two armies would collide and the future of the land would be decided, and everything Merlin hoped and dreamed for put to the test. Who knew what the result would be, but either way life would be changed forever.

The thoughts that played within Merlin's mind were hazy and that troubled him. It was as if a mist had descended stopping him from seeing properly. But deep within him was a profound feeling that by the end of this battle, his life would be completely different. He had no idea whether that was a good or a bad thing, and suddenly the uncertainty seemed suffocating to him. Wanting to dismiss the troubling sensation, he decided to go in search of his friends.

He heard them before he saw them, and for a moment he stopped and watched them. Percival and Gwaine were sitting shoulder touching shoulder. Gwaine commanding the stage while Leon rolled his eyes, and Elyan just laughed. He smiled making the most of seeing them all together, who knew if this would be the case after Camlann. His depressing thoughts were interrupted with a warm shout.

"Merlin we've been wondering where you are where. Come and have a sit." Gwaine's warm eyes, greeted Merlin, and suddenly he forgot his worries. Gwaine had such a zest for life, and genuine love for his friends, that before long Merlin was laughing away.

"Gwaine. How are you all?" Merlin asked, suddenly wanting to get away from his own thoughts and fears.

"We are trying to stop Gwaine from re-writing history here." Percival laughed, slapping his friend on the shoulder.

"Oh?" Merlin laughed. "Well good luck with that one." He sat down and drank from a water skin, enjoying the feeling of it trickling into his parched throat.

"Yes according to Gwaine nothing happened before the day he came into the world." Elyian explained.

"Now come on Elyan you are a man of few words, so when you do speak you should at least tell the full story." Gwaine countered. "All I meant was the world we know today began to take shape, once I came into the world."

Merlin joined in the hoots of laughter, as the Knights continued their bantering. He sat back and just enjoyed the spirit of a bunch of men held together by a strong bond of commitment and loyalty.

These were Arthur's senior Knights the men who would lead the fight alongside their young King. Merlin felt immense pride at being a part of them, and yet as ever he was apart from them as well. Could he dare to dream that after this battle his life would change for the better? That acceptance for his kind would be one step nearer with the removal of the biggest obstacle to it, Morgana?

A shout and light slap on the wrist pulled him back to the present.

"Merlin you were miles away." Leon smiled.

"Sorry my thoughts were elsewhere." Merlin admitted, ruefully. He picked up a spare apple and crunched on it, only then realising just how hungry he was.

"We wondered how the King was when you left him" Percival asked.

Merlin smiled, "He is doing okay in fact he was writing to Gwen when I left him."

"Last time he wrote to her we had an outstanding victory at Badon Hill. Let's hope that is a good omen." Leon smiled.

"I am sure it will be." Merlin agreed, a determination in his tone which pleased his friends and started them all talking amongst themselves. Merlin suddenly noticed Lancelot heading over to Arthur's tent, so stood up. "I will see you all later."

"Merlin everything will be all right." Gwaine shouted.

Merlin nodded, as he moved away. For a second he paused not sure whether to join Arthur and Lancelot or not. He knew Lancelot had been doing some reconnaissance on the latest movements of Morgana's army. He suspected Lancelot and Arthur were looking at the latest reports. Sensing it could be a tense meeting he headed for a patch of rocks and sat down and waited for his friend to leave the tent.

As Merlin stared at the moon he could swear it had increased in size and vibrancy. It shone down directly on Arthur's tent bating it in a beautiful bright light. Merlin smiled for a second, an omen his friend was the big hope for Albion after all. Was this the god's giving their blessing on the once and future King?

Merlin liked to think so, the prophecies were clear after all. Arthur was the King who would unite the land of Albion, with Merlin by his side. The Golden Age they all dreamed about could hopefully begin after Morgana had been defeated. Then the huge barrier to Arthur accepting magic would have been removed.

Merlin closed his eyes and allowed himself to think about a world where he and his kind could be respected and accepted for who they were. A land where he could move freely; no more having to deny himself, a man who could be open and honest with his friends. For a second he allowed himself to revel in the thoughts of such a world. To be part of a Kingdom which was truly united between all people; and where everyone worked together for the common good, rather than live in fear and danger.

A soft breeze blew across him, interrupting his thoughts, and for a moment he shivered. The light around Arthur's tent was dimmer now; he could sense the moon was beginning to fade. Soon the cycle would be complete; the first rays of sunlight would begin. A sudden movement from the tent made him stand up as he beckoned Lancelot over. Soon his friend was walking towards him, a relaxed look on his face.

"Merlin you okay?" Lancelot asked, touching his shoulder.

"I am good. What are latest reports?" Merlin asked, wanting to get know what the situation was. This way he knew he could be of most use to Arthur.

"Well as we suspected the Saxons have been moving into that hidden path that Percival told us about. I have been told I will lead a patrol from there to head off her army. She has greater numbers than we first thought, so we need to hit her hard and fast I think. Take her by surprise." Lancelot said, sitting down next to Merlin.

"How was Arthur?" Merlin asked, watching Lancelot intently.

"I think he was resolute in his manner, I feel he is ready for whatever lies ahead." Lancelot smiled, "What about you?"

"Me?"

"Yes you Merlin." Lancelot replied, his eyes not leaving Merlin's face. "Don't pretend you don't have your own worries, I know you better than that."

Merlin smiled, he knew he couldn't fool Lancelot. Lancelot was a rock his one friend who knew about Merlin's magic. Though Merlin regretted that Lancelot too had to hide his secret, he knew his friend would keep his word, as he was a man of honour. It at least gave Merlin someone else to talk to, when he felt he couldn't confide to Gaius.

Their relationship had become really close as a result of it. His friend always seemed to know when Merlin was troubled. Lancelot came from a similar background to him, facing the same barriers and similar challenges before becoming a faithful Knight of Camelot. Merlin knew how much more of a burden it would be without having Lancelot to share his troubles with. But he doubted even Lancelot could help him through this.

"I don't know how to explain if I am honest." Merlin began hestitantly.

"Well try." Lancelot urged.

Merlin paused before speaking."Whenever we have gone on battles and quests, I have always felt somehow that I knew what the outcome would be. It is not something I can explain. Just I always felt I knew the path that we were treading, the likely outcome. But now everything just seems to be in a haze, which l just can't see through. It worries me. I just know that after this battle everything could change."

"It is natural to worry before a battle Merlin, I am always tense I am now." Lancelot said, "But whatever happens one way or another Camelot will survive. I believe we have right on our side; Morgana cannot win with her hatred. It will destroy her in the end. Then you and Arthur can unite the Kingdoms of Albion, and you can reveal your secret at last."

Merlin smiled, "It would be good to think that can happen, but Arthur will still need persuading about magic, being a force for good."

"When he knows the truth about you, he will understand." Lancelot replied, putting his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "You should never give up on that dream Merlin, otherwise what would be the point of any of this?"

Merlin stared off into the distance, Lancelot's words ringing in his ears; it was no different to what he had once believed himself. Yet now the words seemed hollow to his ears. Morgana had brought so much hatred and fear to Camelot and the surrounding villages. Could magic really be accepted by Arthur never mind the people of Camelot. The fear was deeply rooted now and it would take a lifetime of work to undo the damage.

"You mustn't give up hope Merlin." Lancelot said, The Knight eased himself onto his feet. "I need to do some preparation, I think tomorrow could be the day. Will you be okay?"

"Yes I need to get back to Arthur anyway." Merlin replied. "Thank you."

Lancelot smiled, and gently patted his shoulder. "Any time my friend. You know where I am."

Merlin watched him walked away, praying that he would stay safe, in the battle that lay ahead. He had lost too many friends already, and he couldn't bear to lose someone else. Why did life have to be such a struggle? From the moment he had arrived in Camelot there was always something brewing. As he watched the Knights preparing for battle he was beginning to wonder if they would ever win the peace that was so sorely needed.

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