Rating: PG (Major Character Death)
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin, Gaius, Sir Leon, Sir Geoffrey, Lord Agravaine OC (Amhar, Lily, Ygraine,)
Summary: Arthur left Camelot behind when Gwen was banished but when Uther dies he must return to take the throne.
*Written for Fic Battle (Mini Challenge 6) on ag_fics
Prompt from ella_rose88: A/G, Merlin, Canon AU, Arthur went off with Gwen when she was banished in 3x10. Years later Merlin goes to them as his father is ill and gets a surprise when he sees A/G with a little family and Arthur is a farmer...

The Return Of The Heir

CHAPTER 1
It had been a long time since Uther banished Gwen to teach Arthur a lesson. It was Arthur that taught Uther when he left with his love. Since then Arthur's name was never spoken in the presence of the King. Not even Gaius dared to break that edict. Now Uther was dying and Camelot's heir needed to return.

Gaius pulled Merlin aside and looked back at the dying King. "You have to find Arthur and tell him what is happening."

"How long will he last?" Merlin asked.

"Not much longer, maybe sunset tomorrow. Merlin, I don't need to impress on you the urgency of the situation. Camelot cannot be without a ruler." Gaius reminded him.

"They have been gone for almost six years." Merlin frowned. "I'm not sure they will want to come back."

"Arthur has no choice. Now go." Gaius shooed him off.

Merlin saddled the fastest horse he could find and headed for Rheged. He hoped Arthur and Gwen were still where he thought they were.

In Rheged, Gwen was putting the washing out to dry. A boy of about four years of age battled a fence post with a wooden sword. Gwen smiled as Amhar reminded her of his father years ago on the training field.

A rider on the road drew the young mother's attention. "Amhar go inside and tell your father to come out here. Stay there until I call you."

"Yes Mummy."

The little boy ran inside with his sword and a few seconds later Arthur appeared in the doorway. He squinted as he tried to identify the rider who was still a distance away. He walked up to Gwen and put his arm around her waist.

"He has Camelot colors, Arthur." Gwen said worriedly.

"I see but …" Arthur recognized the man on horseback finally. "It's Merlin."

Merlin slowed to a stop in front of them and dismounted. "Arthur! Gwen! I'm so glad I found you."

"Why were you looking for us?" Arthur felt the beginnings of a knot in his stomach.

"Arthur, you are needed in Camelot. Uther is dying." Merlin told him.

"I relinquished my right to the throne when I left with Guinevere. Did you forget that, Merlin?"

"You are still the heir. Uther never made the decree to remove you from succession." Merlin told him. "Please Arthur, there isn't much time."

"Arthur, you should go." Gwen said

"I won't go without you and the children."

"Children? Oh course you are married and you would have children by now." Merlin rambled a bit. "How many children?"

"Two, a son and a daughter." Gwen said proudly. "Arthur, go with Merlin and I will wait for you to send for us."

"Are you sure?" Arthur asked.

"Yes. We will wait for word from you." Gwen told him.

Arthur nodded. "I need to get some things together and saddle a horse."

"I'll take care of the horse. Just grab some food and we can go in an hour." Merlin said as he led his own horse towards what looked like a barn.

Arthur and Gwen go into the house. Amhar is sitting at the table. "Who is that man?"

"He is a friend. Amhar, I have to go away. I need you to look after your mother for a few days. Will you do that for me?" Arthur asked as he knelt next to his son.

"Yes Father. Will you be back soon?" Amhar asked.

"I think so but you are not to worry." Arthur told him.

Gwen came over with food in a sack and some clothes in his old travel bag.

Arthur stood and kissed her. He touched foreheads with her before letting her go. He walked over to the cradle and looked at the little girl cuddled up in a blanket. He went to the door and looked back one last time before he left.

Outside Merlin was ready to go. They mounted and rode hard to Camelot.

Arthur really wasn't sure what he was doing when he arrived and headed to the Kings chambers. He walked in as Gaius was pulling the sheet over Uther's face.

"I'm too late."

"Sire. Merlin found you, I see."

"Yes he did. What happened to him Gaius?" Arthur touched his father's still hand.

"He was having problems with his heart. He didn't suffer long. You look well Arthur. What have you been doing?"

"I have been keeping busy. I have a farm in Rheged." Arthur looked up at Gaius. "Merlin says that I am still the heir to the throne."

"You are Arthur. You will be crowned King tomorrow." Gaius said.

"What if I don't want to be King? What if I want to be a farmer?"

"Arthur, Camelot needs you." Merlin said.

"Guinevere and my children need me too."

"You don't have a choice, Arthur." Gaius smiled. "How many children?"

"Two, a boy and a girl." Arthur told him.

"Arthur I had your old room prepared. Shall I prepare the nursery as well?" Merlin said.

"Yes and send someone to help her with the children. It seems that Camelot will have a Queen as well." Arthur sighed and accepted his fate finally.

Merlin smiled and went to fetch Sir Leon and a serving girl to accompany the Queen to Camelot.