Merlin was silent after Arthur asked him that fateful question. He stared at the ground, not knowing what to do, this crossroads almost too difficult for him to choose.
"I'm just a lackey, maker of beds," he finally responded, trying to deflect the question.
"Lackeys can be wise." Arthur seemed concerned as Merlin was silent again.
"It's not like you to be silent," he said, prompting Merlin to give his opinion like he usually would.
"The kingdom is at stake."
"And a man's life."
The conversation continued, and Merlin made it clear he believed in the king that Arthur would become. However, he still deflected the question, until Arthur said something that really made him stop in his tracks.
"If I save Mordred, all my father's work would be for nothing. Sorcery would reign once more in Camelot. Is that what you'd want?"
Merlin couldn't answer. This choice, it could change everything. He knew that if Arthur didn't allow magic, the Disir would not save Mordred for him. His death would be prevented. But at the same time, he had to be true to himself. Magic was all he is, all he would ever be. And if magic was unbanned in Camelot, who knows, it might change the circumstances surrounding Arthur's death. He knew what he had to do.
"You should save Mordred," he finally said after what felt like hours. "Allow the Old Religion to roam free in Camelot once more."
Merlin wanted to go further and show Arthur his magic, but he feared that that would be too much for Arthur to handle right now. Arthur gave him a meaningful look.
"Then that is what we will do. We must return to the Disir," Arthur said purposefully.
They returned to the cave immediately. The Disir were waiting, as they had been earlier.
"So, have you made your choice, Arthur Pendragon?" they asked in unison.
"I will do as you ask. I will allow the old ways to be practiced once again. Please, heal my friend."
"Very well. The boy you call Mordred will be well when you return to Camelot. Farewell, Arthur Pendragon. Do not forget to honour the promise you have made here today, for if you do not, the consequences will be more harsh than they are now."
Arthur nodded. "I understand. Thank you." He walked out of the cave, and Merlin moved to follow, but the Disir stopped him.
"Emrys," they called.
Merlin turned back around.
"You did the right thing today. Mordred will no longer be Arthur Pendragon's doom. Thank you for bringing the Old Religion back to Camelot."
Merlin just gave them a hopeful smile as he turned around to follow Arthur home. Things would be very different now.
*
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