The King is Dead

By: Hannah Palindromes Rock!

I don't own any of the characters.

Merlin had set Arthur's body afloat in the small creaky boat that was always tethered to the small dock on the dark surface of the lake lake. It seemed a sad vessel to carry such a great man, but it also somehow was perfect. Arthur would be able to rest on the island of Avalon without being disturbed until the time came for him to regain his throne.

The dragon had stayed with Merlin as he watched Arthur float away, Merlin turned to him now. "I should return to Camelot." Merlin said hoarsely. The dragon replied, "it is your decision whether or not to return." Merlin sighed, how can I face them, knowing I failed. The dragon spoke into his head, you did not fail Merlin. This was meant to happen, you could not have prevented it. "Arthur is dead! Guinevere will mourn and it will be my fault that I couldn't do anything!" Merlin shouted, all his pain and frustration bellowing out.

The dragon waited patiently, "will leaving Gaius and Guinevere to face this alone do any good? Depriving them of another friend? Leaving them in doubt until they assume that you failed and then fled without the courage to tell them?" He asked. Merlin knew the dragon was right. He resigned himself, "I will return', he whispered.

A day later Merlin appeared at the gates of Camelot. The dragon had offered to carry him, but Merlin had declined in favor of walking. He had said a last farewell to the dragon, his oldest friend and adviser, and doubted he would ever see him again. Merlin paused outside Guinevere's door. He had spent the whole walk home thinking of what he could say, but nothing appealed to him. He knocked before he could change his mind.

"Come in." Came Guinevere's muffled voice. Merlin opened the heavy oak door and entered. Guinevere looked up from where she was sitting at the table reading and her heart seemed to freeze. She stood abruptly and her chair toppled backward. She glided a few steps toward him then stopped again, "M…Merlin?" She asked voice breaking and tears already welling to her eyes.

Merlin's heart broke and he opened his mouth trying to say something. Guinevere made speaking unnecessary. She rushed forward again and caught him in a tight hug. Tears welled from Merlin's eyes, "I… I'm sorry." He croaked. Guinevere nodded, "I know… I know" she whispered back.

They sank to the floor and sobbed together for what may very well have been hours. That was how Gaius found them when he entered. He immediately understood and dropped down to comfort them.

The bells of Camelot chimed a melancholy melody. The King is dead.

The End.