A/N: First chapter of the sequel to Circle of Fate, everyone.
Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Merlin. Thanks for asking.
Previously… "Sire, it's Morgana. The knights have reported an army of tens of thousands crossing the border. We're under attack."
Like a well-oiled machine, everyone rushed to the exit, taking the fastest route to the council chambers. Arthur turned to Merlin. "You don't think…"
"That this was what Morgana meant when she said that there was something better for us?" Merlin finished, "Yes, that's exactly what I think. But this can't be all of it: This, she's done before. There has to be something more. The question is, what?"
Arthur didn't know. They approached the chambers, immediately sitting in their designated places. He noticed Merlin hovering uncomfortably next to the table: Of course, there was nowhere for Merlin to sit. Luckily, one of the knights was scouting the border for the routes Morgana was likely to take, so their was a seat free. Arthur gestured towards it, and Merlin reluctantly sat down.
Arthur spoke. "As you all know, we have just received information that Morgana is in the process of crossing our borders. Now, the most logical thing to do would be to wait here, in Camelot, with all our weapons, walls, and soldiers to stand and fight here. However, that would put every citizen's life at risk, which is not something that I am prepared to do." The King couldn't think of another logical plan of action, but this was necessary. He wouldn't fight with all of his people in danger, and evacuating wasn't an option. Morgana's men would find everyone, and slaughter them.
Surprisingly, Percival spoke up. "I suggest we go to a location that is in between the Camelot and the border and meet Morgana's army there: We would still be on home ground, and could call in allies if necessary."
Arthur pondered the idea. "That might just work. Does anyone know of such a place?" Arthur noticed Merlin staring at him intently. "Merlin, what do you think?"
"I-" Merlin stuttered, clearly not expecting to be called upon. "There is a place, but…"
"Tell me."
"Camlann. It's big enough, and has mountains on either side, so neither their or our armies can escape. But, Sire, I don't advise going there." The name rung a bell.
Everyone's attention was on Merlin now. All except for Gaius, who was looking down at the table, a peculiar expression on his face. It was Gwen who asked, "Why not?"
Merlin closed his eyes. "It would be better for all of you if you didn't know. Please, just don't go there."
Everyone looked as if they wanted to ask more, but restrained themselves. All Arthur said was, "Merlin, that may be the only place we can go. Does anyone else have a good idea?"
Silence. Arthur turned to Merlin, who had cast his eyes to the ground. "Merlin, please." Arthur suddenly remembered where he had heard the name before. He had gone there, once, when he was younger, passing through it to get to the area he was sent to scout. Now he thought about it, Camlann was the perfect place. "It's by the White Mountains, yes?"
The warlock nodded hesitantly.
"Then we should set foot there as soon as we can. Gwaine, prepare the knights. Tell them that they may be riding to their deaths. They do not have to come with us." Arthur said softly.
All the knights present protested. "We would never-"
"Sire, of course we would-"
"Arthur, we would all follow you."
The king smiled sadly, content with their loyalty, but worried about them. "Thank you. But give the knights the choice, and tell them that nothing will be held against them if they choose to stay. Let them do what they feel is right."
Everyone stood and watched Gwaine leave, then started filing out behind him. Soon, Arthur, Gwen and Merlin were the only ones left standing there.
"Why did you tell us? If you're so desperate for all of us not to go there, then why mention it at all?" Gwen asked Merlin.
Merlin closed his eyes. "Because avoiding the future just makes it worse," He whispered.
"Future? Merlin, what future?" Arthur asked, worried.
"Arthur…" Merlin seemed close to tears now.
Gwen put an arm on Arthur's shoulder. "Merlin, you don't have to tell us."
But Merlin shook his head. "No, you deserve to know. I couldn't live with myself if it...came true, and I knew it would happen, and didn't do anything about it.'
"If what came true?" Arthur demanded. He felt bad for forcing Merlin, but if this was something important, then he had to know. Especially if this affected the outcome of the battle.
"Arthur...I saw something, a few months back. It...it showed you, fighting in Camlann, fighting Mordred. And yes, I know Mordred is dead. But recently, I-I saw a different version of the vision. In Morgana's tower. I was there, and you were fighting Morgana. And…" Merlin's voice cracked.
"She stabbed you, and you fell down. Morgana...she was laughing. You...you were most likely…" Merlin broke off.
"Dead." Arthur breathed. Dead. So...If he went to Camlann, he had an almost completely sealed fate. But if he didn't go, so many more would die. Merlin had once said to him, "What is the life of a servant, compared to that of a prince?" But what was the life of a king, compared to that of all of his people?"
A/N: Sorry, this is a really short chapter. It's mostly a filler chapter so I can write the incoming scenes, which I am really looking forward to. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed.