AN: I am stepping back a bit with this fic as it's set in series 4 and we're all going crazy for series 5. If you haven't seen it yet, no spoilers but I will say that it is undeniably epic. This idea came to me as I was listening to my iPod and it kept begging me to be written. There is major character death in this and series 4 canon is being torn to shreds.
As Arthur walked out of his father's chambers having bid both his father and Guinevere farewell, he slipped a hand into his belt and pulled out the scroll of parchment he had spent the morning writing. There was no other way. This had to be done and before he could do that, there were certain things he had to take care of first. Arthur nervously tapped the scroll in his hands, the scroll that held Camelot's future on it as he made his way towards the library where he knew Geoffrey of Monmouth would be.
"Sire, how can I help you?" old Geoffrey of Monmouth asked. He had consulted his books as best he could, as had Gaius and they knew there was only one way of stopping the Dorrocha. A human sacrifice had to be made. Arthur glanced around the library, ensuring they were alone before holding out the parchment to Geoffrey who stared at it.
"You know what I must do and what that entails. Whenever I- it is done, I will need you to open and read this document to the council as well as Merlin, Sirs Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, Percival and Lancelot as well as Guinevere. There is important information in there which all of them will need to know. Until then I will trust you to keep this safe and ensure nobody sees it. If it is discovered, it could have massive implications for all of you." Arthur explained as he pressed the scroll into Geoffrey's hands. The old man looked at the parchment before looking at Arthur and realising what he intended to do and just what he held in his hands.
"Sire, I," Geoffrey began but Arthur cut across him.
"We both know that this needs to be done." Arthur replied and with that he left the library and returned to speak to his chambers to finish preparing for the trip to the Isle of the Blessed. There was none of his usual banter with Merlin, they all were feeling the same sense of trepidation and fear; knowing that at least one of them was doomed to die.
As they mounted their horses to ride out of Camelot, Arthur made sure to turn and look at the castle. He took in the sight of his people who had paused in their jobs to see them off; his uncle and Gaius standing on the steps aware of what they must do; Arthur looked at the direction of his father's window and could see Guinevere pressed against the glass. As they made eye contact she opened the window and Merlin and the knights all looked up at her. Gwen pointed to herself before she pressed her hands over her chest before moving one in a sweeping motion; she didn't seem able to speak but they knew what her message was.
I love you all.
Arthur felt a strong pain of regret as he realised just what he was going to do but he took a deep breath, smiled and blew her a kiss which Gwen pretended to catch as the knights rode off. As they took off, Gwen shut the window and wiped her eyes. They would be alright.
They had to be.
After several days of travelling, fighting off the spirits and Merlin almost dying; the seven of them managed to reach the Isle of the Blessed. While Leon, Elyan and Percival hung back to fight off the wyverns , Arthur, Merlin, Gwaine and Lancelot went inside to face the Veil and it's guardian. As Gwaine and Lancelot were blasted back, Merlin attempted to reason with the strange woman. While they were distracted, Arthur took his chance. He was closest, and he approximated about ten good steps would do it. Slowly and surely, he began to walk.
One…
He could do this. For Camelot, for his father, for his friends, for Guinevere.
Two…
He was too young for this but at the same time, he was lucky to have survived all he had thus far.
Three…
Merlin really wasn't as stupid as he seemed. Arthur really should have told him that.
Four…
He hoped they would all understand what he had done and what he was doing now.
Five...
He wished he could see Morgana again, just to say goodbye.
Six…
Would it hurt? Dying. He had always wondered that and now he was going to find out.
Seven…
Would he see his mother again? Was she waiting for him? Would she be proud?
Eight…
How would Uther react to his son's death? In his apathetic state, would he even be able to?
Nine…
He thought of Guinevere and all they'd been though. He thought of her kindness, her courage, her ability to always find some shred of hope. He thought about what had happened and what would happen. She would understand and she would be able to get through this. He had faith in her; she was stronger than he could ever be.
"Arthur! Arthur what are you doing?" Lancelot yelled as he stumbled to his feet. Merlin spun around as Gwaine regained consciousness and rubbed his head. Their faces fell as Arthur stood directly in front of the Veil. They were too far away, too late to stop him.
"Don't do it!" Gwaine roared and Merlin flexed his right hand. Arthur looked at his three friends, three of his brothers. For a moment they stared at one another before Arthur turned and stared into the darkness of the Veil and he shut his eyes. His heart was pounding madly in his chest, trying to fulfil a lifetime of beats in a matter of moments. Arthur took a deep breath and braced himself.
"NO!" the men bellowed but it was too late. Arthur stepped forward into the Veil.
Ten…
