Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin :(

A/N: This idea just randomly came to me and a vicious plot bunny demanded I write it at once. Arthur knows about Merlin's destiny and all that. Bit more angsty than I was going for…


Arthur sighed and looked up at his men. His loyal, brave Knights, who he knew would give their lives to serve Camelot. All of them more than his friends, they were his brothers. This was why he knew he could not ask them to fight, to be his champion in this battle. It had to be he who faced this immortal foe. This foe, it was said, no mere mortal could kill.

'It must be me,' he whispered, his voice carrying over the din. The chatter halted into a chilling silence. His Knights all turned to him, horror etched on their faces.

'Sire, no!' Lancelot protested. 'Camelot needs you more than it needs us. Compared to you, our lives are worthless!' Arthur glared at him.

'All of your lives are worth far more than mine. Camelot needs you too. Never say anything like that ever again!'

'But what who will rule Camelot should you fall in battle?' Percival asked quietly. Arthur smiled sadly and slipped off his ring, the ring that bore the royal seal. He handed it to Elyan.

'Give this to Guinevere. I trust her to be the greatest Queen Camelot will ever know.' Elyan nodded.

'It has been an honour to serve with you, Sire,' Elyan bowed. Lancelot and Percival clasped his arm.

'Look after Guinevere,' Arthur asked Lancelot in a low tone. The loyal Knight nodded once. Gwaine slapped Arthur on the back.

'I hate to say it, but I'm gonna miss you, Princess.' Arthur just shook his head, a soft smile on his face. He was going to miss them too. He wished Guinevere was here, so he could say farewell to her properly. But then again, he didn't want her to see this. He looked at his Knights one last time.

Just then, a small, dark-haired man burst in to the room.

'Arthur, wait! I knew what you are planning on doing!' Merlin cried.

'I have to do this Merlin. I will not let anyone else die. There is none who can kill this enemy. Even your magic is powerless against him,' Arthur tried to explain to his friend. Merlin shook his head.

'He can't be killed by any mere mortal. Well then, how about someone immortal?'

'I've already told you, your magic can't help you.'

'I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about the only other immortal person, one who has the skill with a sword and who cannot die!' Arthur raised an eyebrow.

'And who is this so-called immortal man?' Merlin smiled and nodded towards the door. A shadow stood in the doorway. He stepped into the light. Arthur's eyes widened. Of course! This man couldn't die. He always came back home.

He was Sir Leon…