Chapter 1: Return from Avalon
The sun had vanished. Hidden away behind the horizon; as if, it too, was mourning the loss of the Once and Future King. Night time had fallen, and yet the young warlock still stood by the shore of Lake watched as Arthur Pendragon floated further and further away from him, wishing with all his heart that the red of his cloak would begin to move, as life re-entered the body of the great king. That moment didn't arrive, though. He didn't know how long he stayed there; whether it were hours, days, or mere seconds, before he realised. Someone was standing behind him.
He turned, his arm outstretched, ready to recite an enchantment; but he stopped short. Confusion etched across his face, for the person who stood behind him was no bandit or mercenary, but a young woman. Her skin was tanned, her hair and eyes dark in colour, her frame slender but tall; she was quite beautiful. That's when Merlin noticed it, a pale silver shimmer surrounded her, as though her skin reflected the light of the full moon.
"Who are you," Merlin said his voice cracking and uneven due to lack of use. The women only smiled at him and moved closer ever so slightly, Merlin's already outstretched arm tensed, causing the women to stop.
"You do not have to fear me, Emrys." She spoke softly holding out her hands, "My name is Lyana." Merlin lowered his hands, watching this woman carefully, only when he was satisfied she posed no threat to him did he turn around. The boat had moved further away, and Merlin had cursed himself for being distracted. He heard Lyana move, until he sensed her presence beside her. She was cold, Merlin could tell that from where he stood, but he knew she bore him no ill will; he could feel it.
"Why are you here?" He heard her ask, she spoke softly and her voice echoed slightly, Merlin did not move as he spoke.
"You know my name- my real name." He said,
"Yes,"
"Then you know why I'm here," There was no malice behind his words, only defeat. He felt Lyana shift next to him, so she was looking at him. "You mourn the loss of your friend." She said. He could only nod; afraid that if he spoke, he would reveal his vulnerability to this creature, because she was no ordinary human. Merlin could tell that much, he could feel her power radiating off her; but Merlin did not know exactly what creature she was, and at that moment he didn't care enough to ask.
"You believe he is gone; to never return." It was a statement, not a question, but it struck Merlin; as if it was plated in iron. New feelings replaced the sorrow in his heart; rage. Unadulterated rage bubble through him, he rounded on her.
"Of course he's gone! He died in my arms! I know he's gone and that he can't come back! I failed him! I failed Albion! I knew it was Mordred who would be Arthurs doom, yet I let him get close to him!" he yelled, releasing all of his guilt, his anger; but even after this outburst, he was still weighed down with his remorse. Merlin felt tears fall down his cheeks as anguish cast over him, threatening to break him. He swallowed, which was difficult, as his throat felt like it was being sown shut. He looked Lyana in the eyes, "I failed my destiny." He said, but his voice was that of a broken man, full of hopelessness and despair.
Lyana only smiled at him, albeit it became sad, as she watched the young Warlock grieve for his fallen friend. She placed her hand on his shoulder, causing a shiver to travel down Merlin's spine, it was unnaturally cold. "Even with a curiosity as great as yours, Emrys, you have still not asked who I am," she still spoke softly. Merlin rubbed his eyes with his hand, before looking at her hopelessly; her smile grew as she stepped away from him, and began to walk toward the trees which surrounded the lake. Just as she was to cross the tree line she stopped and turned to him, "Come," She held out her hand.
Merlin turned back to the lake, to the boat, which again looked so much smaller than it had only seconds before. I had nearly reached the isle, the isle where Gaius had spoken of the Sidhe, the ancient creatures that had the power to heal Arthur. Merlin was faced with a decision, Lyana had been right; his curiosity about this mystical woman had begun to grow, and he was desperate to know exactly who she was, but he could not leave his friend unprotected. His thoughts were halted by Lyana's soft voice, "Do not fret, Emrys, my brothers will watch over your friend,"
Merlin turned, only to see dozens of people who, like Lyana, shone in pale silver light. Merlin looked at each of them, they were all different; different heights, weights, races and ages. Linked only by the pale shimmer, which lit the ground in front of them. Merlin moved towards Lyana, who turned and began to walk among the trees.
"So... Who are you then?" Merlin said after a few moments of walking, Lyana didn't turn as she replied "I have told you, I am Lyana,"
Merlin let out a sharp breath, slightly annoyed that she avoided giving him an answer, "Okay," he continued, "Whatare you,"
Lyana smiled, she stopped and turned to him, looking him in the eye she said "We are The Innocent,"
"And who are The Innocent?" Merlin urged her on,
"We are the lost souls of this forest,"
"I don't understand," Merlin said, his confusion evident on his face, "What do you mean 'lost souls',"
"We are neither dead nor alive, we wait in the veil as we do not belong in the next life," Lyana spoke, her eyes never leaving Merlin's,
"Why?" he pushed of hungry for answers. Lyana looked away, to her side, Merlin follow her gaze. The twilight around them faded away, and morning returned. Merlin looked around, as this was no work of nature; he looked to were Lyana stared so intently, and was shocked to see yet another version of the young woman, wearing the same clothes and hadn't seemed to have aged a day.
"That's you," Merlin said, pointing out the obvious,
"Yes," Lyana said wistfully, "Watch,"
Lyana was rubbing down her white horse, which was tethered to a tree beside her. A campfire, which once had been roaring with life; had recently been stamped out and now gave off pale smoke, as the last of its embers went out.
So consumed by her task, Lyana didn't notice the group of bandits closing in around her.
"Look 'ere lads, we got ourselves a beauty," said one of them, shocking Lyana out of her thoughts, she turned so her back was to her horse, her breath quickened in fear.
"So, beautiful, you 'ave anything worth our while," said another, Lyana quickly shook her head,
"No? Well that's just too bad... grab 'er," two bandits came towards her, she tried to fight them off to no avail, the held her arms tightly as she pleaded with them to let her go,
"Please, you don't have to do this; I have nothing to give you!" Her protests fell on deaf ears, as the rest of the bandits went through all of her belongings,
"Now... What do we have here?" One of the bandits held a small pouch of coins she had, he opened it up and poured the contents out on his hand, he look up at her with a sly smirk,
"This don't look like nothing to me, sweetheart," He nodded to one of the bandits who held her; he drew his sword and struck her across her stomach. They dropped her unceremoniously on the ground, taking her horse they made a quick getaway. Leaving her to die a slow and painful death. Alone.
Merlin took a breath and turned towards Lyana, who still stared of to the side, even after the image faded away.
"You're a ghost," Merlin says after a long pause, Lyana still didn't turn her head as she spoke, "Something like that, my brothers and sisters, and I; we are the innocent souls of these woods, we cannot leave this world to the next because we were killed before our time. So we stay here, and help those who have died at the hands of people who believe they are above the law,"
"But..." Merlin started, "What does this have to do with me- or Arthur- I mean, Kilgharrah said my destiny was complete," The smile returned to her face, and for the first time in a while she looked him in the eyes.
"All will be revealed to you, Emrys," she said, and she angled her body way from him, "Come,"
They walked for a long while in silence; Merlin's mind began to wonder to all of the different outcomes this journey could have. Could Lyana and her kind bring Arthur back? Was Kilgharrah wrong? Is there a new destiny which awaits him? The possibilities were endless. Merlin was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice the change in his surroundings, gone was the dense forest, and in its place stood the ruins of a once great castle.
"Where are we?" Merlin says, looking at the expanse of his surroundings,
"We call it The House of the Dead," said Lyana, she didn't turn as she spoke, but her voice echoed more against the walls of the castle. "It was a grand castle once, used by the old kings, but now it is our sanctuary."
Merlin looked around, only now taking notice of the pale silver silhouettes in the shadows of the building. "Odd name," he muttered, more to himself than Lyana. The House of the Dead had such a morbid tone to it, especially considering the gentle nature of the occupants; but Merlin kept these thoughts to himself, as he continued to follow Lyana through the vast interior of the place she called home.
Lyana continued on for a little while, before stopping before a stone table; the top of the table was concave, so that it could hold a mass of water. The water itself shimmered, more brightly than it should under the light of the full moon. Lyana moved to stand beside it, placing her hands on the edge of it, Merlin moved to stand beside her and glance into the pool of water. After waiting for a short period of time Merlin decided to break the silence.
"What is it?"
"No one's actually quite sure," she said as she smiles, "But we know it holds great power. Like the gems in the crystal caves, this pool gives those with magic the power of sight. Though unlike the crystals, it not only allows us to see the future; but the past and present as well. It is through this pool that I have been given my power, as you saw I have no natural magic ability."
Merlin contemplates this, but all of his thoughts came back to the same conclusion, "So... why am I here? What purpose do I have?"
"You have spoke with the Great Dragon, and he told you your prophecy was complete, I'm here to tell you that you are mistaken," Merlin was taken aback, his mind sent reeling by this new piece of information.
"How is that possible?" He whispered, the shock causing his voice to become weak, "Kilgharrah made it clear that my work is done. That one day Arthur may rise, when Albion needs him the most."
Lyana turns to him, "Albion will always need Arthur. Just as it always needs you, You are two sides of the same coin."
"So I'm told," Merlin mumbles as he turns to the pool, "So what's this new prophecy?"
"Arthur will rule over Camelot, with you at his side," she said simply,
"That's it?" Merlin asks, Lyana turns to him, scrutinising him for a moment; then shakes her head.
"I'm sorry that it's not as interesting as your last prophecy, not all of them are that interesting. I honestly this is more important than your last; because with your guidance Arthur is going to introduce a new era of peace and prosperity, for those with and without magic. Nothing could be greater than that," As she spoke her eyes did not move from his, they burn deep inside him.
"That's not what I meant, couldn't you tell me anymore? Give me any guidance for the future?" He pleaded, her small smile returned.
"Now, what fun would that be?" she said, turning away from him and walking down the path in which they had originally travelled.
"Wait! Aren't you going to show me anything?" He said moving to follow her,
"No," she said without turning around,
"Then why bring me here? Why show me the table?" he said quickening his pace to catch up with her, she stops and turns towards him,
"We wanted to show you the place where you can seek your own council, the threat of Morgana may be gone, but dark times still lie ahead; at times Arthur will depend on your advice, and there may be some cases where you may not know what to do. In that case, you can come to us, and using the table we can enlighten your path," She explains, and then turns to walk again, "Now come, I think there is someone who has been gone from this world long enough."
On their return journey, Merlin took note of several key landmarks, so that he could navigate his way back to The House of the Dead. Dawn was beginning to settle on the horizon, as they exited the forest, to come to the shores of the Lake Avalon. The boat which held Arthur's body had now returned to the shore, but Arthur was no long resting upon it, he was lying on the floor next to none other than Gwaine, whose skin matched Arthur's sickly pale shade.
"Merlin?" Merlin's head snapped to the side and he saw Percival standing at the edge of the wood, his sword drawn but lowered.
"Percival? What happened? What happened to Gwaine?" Merlin spoke rapidly as he moved closer to his friend; Percival sheathed his sword and met him half way.
"We... We went after Morgana, Gwaine... he wanted revenge; because that girl betrayed him, and I-,"
"You went with him, but what happened to him?" Merlin pushed on,
"I was trapped, tied to a tree; but I could hear him- his screams, she... tortured him. I managed to pull myself free, but by the time I found him, the life had nearly left him. I went after Morgana- to find you- warn you; but I couldn't leave him, not like that." Percival finished, his head hanging in shame, or grief, Merlin couldn't tell.
"So you brought him here?" Merlin said, "Why?"
"Gwaine had told me that Gaius had said you were bringing Arthur here to save him, I figured that the sorcerers could help Gwaine too," Percival said timidly.
"And we will, Sir Knight," Lyana's voice spoke from behind them, startling them both; Percival was quick to draw his sword, but Merlin put his hand out, signalling that there was no threat. Lyana stood a few feet away, and behind her stood several other silver figures. She held out her hand.
"It's alright, we mean you no harm; we only want to help your friend and your King." They moved around Arthur and Gwaine, so they stood in a circle around them. Merlin and Percival took a step back, unsure of what else to do, and watch as they began chanting as one.
'Awacan æþele aglæca,'
Merlin moved to the side, watching carefully to see the result of this spell; but nothing happened.
"Did it not work?" He asked tentatively, Lyana turned to him, her small smile on her face.
"No, it worked, they will awake by nightfall." Relief flooded Merlin, and out if the corner of his eye he noticed Percival's body sag with the same emotion; Merlin moved forward.
"Thank you, Lyana, for everything,"
"It was an honour serving you, Emrys," Lyana bows; her company follows her actions so that they are all bowing to him. Lyana rises and her companions again follow her lead, "It is time for us to leave you now, as it appears you have some explaining to do," Lyana looks over Merlin's shoulder, he turns and sees Percival; his jaw slack in amazement and confusion. Merlin smiles and turns back to Lyana.
"You're right," Lyana nods her head as a farewell and turns with her companions to leave, "Wait!" Merlin called.
Lyana turns and looks expectantly at Merlin; Merlin moves forward slightly.
"How will I find you? If I need your help," He said, Lyana smiled and stepped towards Merlin.
"All you have to do is ask; if you are in the confines of these woods, air your grievances and someone will answer." With that Lyana left taking her silver brethren with her.
Now that they were left alone, with only the silent bodies of their friends to listen in on their conversation, Merlin told Percival everything; from his childhood, to his father, to his destiny; both new and old. There was a long period of silence between the two after that, and then dawned on Merlin that he would have to retell this story again; not only when they finally returned to Camelot, but when Arthur awoke. Due to the fact that he didn't get to tell him everything before he died, the thought made Merlin feel heavy. He'd already had to go through Arthur's original reaction, which hadn't been pleasant to begin with. Now he had to go through all of the lies, all of the deceits that he had took part in.
"So... today at Camlann, the old sorcerer that was you?" Percival asked, slightly dazed after listening to Merlin's story,
"Yes. The reason why I didn't go with you guys at the beginning was because Morgana had found out that I was Emrys- Mordred must have told her- she sent some creature which took my magic. I knew I couldn't protect Arthur without it, so I made the decision to go and get it back." Merlin explained.
"Wait- what happened to Morgana? She was on her way here, she should have found you." Percival said quickly, Merlin put his hand up to stop his friend.
"She did find us. But I stopped her." Percival let out a breath, the huge weight on his shoulder lifting after months of fighting and killing.
"You did it. You saved us." Percival said, suddenly in a moment of pure elation he threw his head back and laughed. For the first time in months he really laughed without the threat of anything weighing him down on the inside. He clapped Merlin on the shoulder, and they shared a smile, then went back to sitting in silence; waiting for their friends to return.
The sun had once again hid itself behind the horizon; Merlin and Percival stood and watched their friends, who were still lying on the shore of Lake Avalon.
"What's going on? Why hasn't anything happen?" Percival questioned
"Be patient. It takes time to wake the dead." Merlin said quietly. A moment after he finished his sentence, both Gwaine and Arthur started to glow; the same glow which covered The Innocent, with each passing minute the shimmer became brighter, until it engulfed them. Percival and Merlin shielded their eyes, to protect themselves from the harsh glare. Then it was gone, they removed their hands and searched for any changes in their friends. There were some noticeable ones, colour had returned to their faces and their chests rose and fell slightly, signalling that they were breathing. They moved closer, kneeling beside them.
"Arthur? Arthur can you hear me?" Merlin called softly, resting his hands on his friend's shoulders and shaking him slightly. For a moment nothing happened, and then Arthur's eyes began to flicker before opening. Merlin looked over to Gwaine to find he and Percival were in a similar position.
"Merlin?" Arthur said quietly, Merlin laughed; the joy of his friend's resurrection taking over him,
"Yes! Yes, oh thank God, you're alive," Arthur was struggling to sit up, Merlin shifted and helped him up,
"What happened?" Arthur asked, looking around at their surroundings, he looked to the side and saw Gwaine and Percival. "What are you two doing here?"
"Better question how am I alive?" Gwaine said,
"It's a long story," Merlin said sheepishly, Arthur looked at him, then his face softened as if he came to a sudden realisation; "It was you wasn't it? You brought us back," Arthur said,
Merlin shook his head, "Oh please," Arthur continued, "I felt the life leave my body, but then I'm brought back, and the only person I'm with also happens to be the most powerful sorcerer in the world," Merlin looks at Gwaine, only to see a look of shock and realisation pass over him, he looked down.
"It wasn't me who brought you back," Merlin said quietly,
"But he's the reason," Percival said, "These creatures came, called him Emrys. They brought you both back,"
"You're Emrys," Gwaine said; Merlin nodded, still looking down at the ground.
"Wow, well... Thanks, I guess," Gwaine said, trying to sound light; Merlin nodded again, then he got up, "I'll get some fire wood, I don't think it'd be wise to return to Camelot today," With that he walked off, leaving his friends.
As Merlin walked off, the three remaining men watched as he travelled off, but as soon as he was out of earshot they turned to each other; "Did you know?" Gwaine asked.
"Not until after the battle," Arthur said, his thought returning to the arduous journey to get to their location.
"He told me after the creatures healed you both," Percival said,
"Well, that's brilliant, one question though; why didn't he tell us before?" Gwaine said slight anger in his tone from his friend's betrayal.
"You know why he couldn't, all we ever did was hunt down those with magic, his life was in danger," Percival tried to reason,
"Merlin must know that we would hurt him; he's like a brother," Gwaine went on,
"Can you promise that?" Percival questioned, Arthur remained quiet during this conversation, as he had known and felt all the emotions they are feeling. Now, he was confused, he was still hurt by the lies Merlin had told; but he was beginning to feel acceptance for his friend as well.
"What do you think Arthur?" Gwaine said, Arthur looked up at the both of them and answered truthfully.
"I think... Merlin is one of the bravest men I have ever known, and he has saved our lives on countless occasions; but did not seek any reward or gratitude." Gwaine and Percival were silent, both contemplating and agreeing with the young King. Arthur then stood up for the first time since his revival, and went into the woods to find Merlin.
Arthur walked for a short period of time, until he found Merlin kneeling in a small clearing; he could tell that his friend was deep in thought, as he did not hear him come closer. Breaking the silence Arthur said;
"You know, it's a good thing you have your magic, because you're still an awful servant," Merlin jumped when he heard his friends voice, he didn't turn around when he called back;
"You don't want me acting like a servant anymore, you told me that before you-," Died... The word hung among them, Merlin cleared his throat, "Or is everything you said back then the side effects of blood loss," Arthur moved forward and sat next the his friend
"I meant every word," Arthur said seriously, "And besides, you said it was your destiny to serve me," Merlin laughed slightly, then sighed looking wistfully at the pile of firewood in front of him,
"Not anymore," Merlin said,
"What do you mean?" Arthur said,
"That destiny is complete, I have a new purpose now," Merlin said, finally looking at his friend; Arthur looked expectantly at Merlin,
"My new destiny is to watch you rule Camelot, and be at your side to help you,"
"Well then... I guess we're all doomed then," Merlin playfully shoved Arthur with his shoulder and replied,
"I'll have you know, I've been giving you ruling advice, since your coronation," Arthur smiled, he knew this of course, but wouldn't admit it,
"Oh really? I'm sure if that was the case we'd have all been dead ages ago," Arthur said, Merlin shook his head and the pair laughed for a while.
"I know," Merlin said, but didn't continue, Arthur shook his head; signalling his confusion and need for clarification, "I know that you're not okay with it- my magic," Arthur took a breath.
"I'm sorry, I just can't fully shake the idea that you should have told me. I mean I understand the reason why you didn't, but I can't help but feel like you hid something from me,"
"Because I did, I was supposed to be your friend Arthur, and I kept the biggest this about my life from you. Even after you revealed so much, I don't expect you to be fully accepting, because despite your differences; you are your father's son," Merlin said, a sudden thought popped into Arthur's head, and it sent a chill down his spine; so much so that he almost didn't want to ask, but he had to know.
"My father... Merlin... If you are the old sorcerer, then... did you kill my father?" Arthur didn't know what answer he wanted to hear, but he watched and waited for Merlin's reply. Merlin stilled the question that he didn't know he had been dreading until it was asked, he took a deep breath.
"I tried to save him... the spell it should have worked, but... I don't know what happened; it was as if something caused it to have the opposite effect." Merlin said, turning away from his friend so he didn't see his reaction. Arthur sat contemplating his friend's response, he knows what Merlin was saying was the truth; Merlin wouldn't have killed his father purposefully.
"Let's get back to Gwaine and Percival," Arthur said quietly, Merlin looked at him, silently pleading with him to show some sort of reaction to the news he just gave, but he gave none. Merlin gathered the wood he had collected and silently he and Arthur made their way back to the shore of the Lake. Gwaine and Percival were still sat waiting for them, but it appeared that they had caught some fish for food; it was then Merlin realised that he had not eaten or slept in days, and it was all he could do not to collapse as he moved to make a fire.
"I want to see it," Gwaine announced, Merlin looked up confused, "Your magic," Gwaine clarified, Merlin nodded and looked towards the fire he had been building, his eyes shone gold and instantly the wood started burning, "Wow," Gwaine said in awe.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Gwaine questioned, "I know you had to keep it a secret, but- Merlin you're like a brother," Merlin looked at Gwaine apologetically, realising how much his lies had hurt those he cared for.
"I didn't want to put anyone in a position where they'd have to lie for me," Merlin explained, "Also; it would have put you in danger to know my true identity,"
"How?" Percival asked,
"Morgana was out for my blood- Emrys' blood, she would have done anything to get my name, she even had Gaius kidnapped and tortured to find out." Merlin explained,
"Gaius? He knows?" Gwaine questioned,
"Saved his life the first time I saw him, he mentored me a little, gave me a spell book," Merlin said,
"Who else knew?" Percival asked,
"Gaius, my mother, a friend- Will- in Ealdor, Lancelot... Mordred," Merlin said,
"Mordred?" Gwaine asked, "How?"
"Mordred was a druid, the druids have a prophecy about me, Mordred knew it, it's how he could tell Morgana who I really was," Merlin said,
"And Lancelot?" Percival asked,
"He heard me say a spell when we were trying to stop a Griffin when we first met," Merlin explained, Percival and Gwaine nodded; their minds buzzing with all of the new information they had been given. Arthur sat to the side and watched then, he was happy with the new information they'd been given, as it filled in some blanks; but he was still reeling from the fact that Merlin played a part in his Father's death. He didn't blame him, but he could bring himself to tell him that, he knew it would take time before he could fully accept Merlin for what he was. Now that he knew that Uther's death was not an act of hate or the mistake of an old sorcerer, he wanted to know what really happened. Though he knew he wouldn't get any answers that night.
"We should get some sleep." Arthur said, "We leave at first light for Camelot," Gwaine and Percival moved away from the fire and lay down to sleep, but Merlin stayed still and stared out across the Lake Avalon; wondering what the future would bring with his revelation, and his new prophecy. He looked over to Arthur and watched him lay on the ground for a moment or two. He knew that Arthur was yet to forgive him for the lies he had told, and he knew he was yet to become excepting of his magic, but at that moment he was just glad it was out in the open. It felt as though the weight on his shoulders had lessened and now became bearable.