A/N: This is the sequel to Hidden Truths - you won't really know what's going on here if you don't read that first, so I suggest you check that one out first!
Hope you enjoy this one!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
The route to the library was a well known but little used one for the King of Camelot. When he was a boy, his father had insisted he have a full and detailed education that included learning to read and write and his numbers, which had for much of the time, bored the young prince to tears. At first he had resented having to take a break from the more entertaining aspects of his education such as weapons and riding; after all, when he was king, he would have advisors who would read and write for him but it would be he who led the Army of Camelot into battle. Eventually, as he got older he realised the value of literacy and numeracy and once he discovered there was a wealth of books and scrolls on military tactics and battles fought both close to home and on the other side of the world, he even learned to enjoy reading. So Arthur had no longer resented his frequent trips to the library although he couldn't stop his heart sinking when Geoffrey of Monmouth would pull a book on philosophy or poetry from the shelves, rather than a military treaty. In the end, his father had allowed him to choose what parts of his education he focused on and the trips to the library had dwindled, although he still read occasionally when he had time.
The library smelt of dust and parchment and had for as long as Arthur could remember, with it memories of his childhood tumbled through his mind though he did not bother to focus on any one. It was Geoffrey that he was here to see. He had questions and there were only two people in the whole of Camelot likely to have the answers he sought; one was Gaius and the other Geoffrey but given the nature of the questions, Arthur thought it best to speak with Geoffrey - he was less likely to withhold information for fear of betraying a confidence.
Once he got over his sore head from the feast he had hastily organised to celebrate Merlin's return to the mortal coil, he had started to go over all the details of his kidnap and subsequent escape with Emrys. There had been something, some small detail, he knew he was missing; it had taken almost a week before he grasped what was bothering him: when Emrys had spoken to Morgana, he had called Arthur 'The Once and Future King' it was a strange title but it was not the first time he had heard it. No, the first time he had heard those words had been when he'd almost married Mithian and Merlin had called him that. At the time he had paid little attention but hearing the same words from a powerful sorcerer as from his own bumbling servant was something he could not ignore.
Arthur pushed open the door to the library, startling Geoffrey of Monmouth who had been dozing in his chair.
"Your Highness!" the librarian exclaimed. "Is there something you need help with?"
"I hope you can answer some questions I have," Arthur stated, waving the old man down with his newly recovered arm. It had been only two days since he had regained full use of it after an unknown guard of Odin's had severed the nerves with a lucky sword stroke, and Arthur took every opportunity to use it.
"Of course, sire, if I can," Geoffrey nodded and gestured to a chair for Arthur to sit.
"Have you ever heard of 'The Once and Future King'?" asked Arthur, taking a seat.
At his question, the old librarian sat up rigidly and frowned. "It is from an old Druid legend. Although I believe they refer to it as a prophecy."
"What is the nature of this legend?"
"Well, the Once and Future King is, according to the Druids, destined to unite the lands of Albion and return - " Geoffrey broke off looking slightly panicked, before reiterating, "He is supposed to unite the lands of Albion."
But his blunder had not gone unnoticed by the king. "And return, what?" At Geoffrey's hesitation, Arthur assured him that he could speak freely, without fear of reprisal.
"They say he will return magic to the land, Sire," Geoffrey said apologetically.
Arthur felt strangely unmoved by the librarian's words. Somehow he had known that was what Geoffrey about to to say and it explained Emrys' interest in him, although where the old sorcerer had got the idea that he, Arthur Pendragon, son of the man who had almost single-handedly wiped out the Old Religion, was a Druidic legend, he had no clue.
"Apparently, he will be aided and protected by a great warlock named 'Emrys' - " Geoffrey continued, warming to his topic.
"Emrys!" Arthur spluttered. "What do you know about Emrys?"
"Not much, Sire," replied the librarian, obviously confused by his king's outburst, "only that he is meant to be the most powerful sorcerer that ever was or will be. If you wish to know more, I would suggest you speak to Gaius; he is far more knowledgeable on Druidic lore than I."
It was insane. Surely the crazy old sorcerer who had saved him could not be the Emrys the Druids meant? Arthur had not been blind to his power but the man had not been able to heal himself when Morgana had dealt him a grievous a blow; a sorcerer of such power would certainly be able to do something to stop her or save himself, yet he had admitted to not being good at healing. Frustration welled up within the king. Every time he got an answer another two questions replaced it.
"Do you know anything more about this legend?"
"Not really, my Lord," admitted Geoffrey.
"Very well," said Arthur rising. "Thank you for your help, Geoffrey. Oh, yes. Do not mention this conversation to anyone - especially Gaius."
The old man was confused by the order but bowed his head in assent and Arthur left the library with answers that weighed heavily upon his shoulders.
A/N: Please review!