AN – Season 3 - What an epic finale! I loved it; and the kiss at the end nearly breaks me down in tears, along with the music; and the hesitation when Merlin says 'Become King' because he knows that will mean his destiny is fulfilled. It is a beautiful end. Anyway; on with the story :)

The Sword in the Stone

'Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become; become king.' Merlin looked at Arthur for his reaction. A few months ago Arthur believed he would not be ready to be king for another few years yet, but now he believed that his time may come sooner than expected.

Turning to look at his servant the Prince replied – 'Who knows what the future will bring.' Arthur said with a slight smile on his face.

As six horses entered through the gates Uther Pendragon looked out at his son to see him smiling. He was sat with Merlin next to him, not behind as a servant should be. He had even seen them exchange some words, Arthur laughing and shoving Merlin playfully before becoming more solemn, Uther wished he knew what his son had said. The next thing he saw was rising and heading over to the new knights. He had been surprised when Arthur had forgiven him so easily for not telling the truth, but what he saw next surprised him even more.

Arthur reached Guinevere's horse just as she started to climb off, eventually using Arthur for balance. Arthur immediately captured Gwen's lips into a kiss, Elyan laughing at his sister as Merlin looked at the two complete opposites, yet the same, with a thoughtful expression.

Standing up the young warlock walked up the stairs, into the castle and up to help with the clear up, noticing Gwaine behind him Merlin stopped for a second.

'I thought you didn't want to become a knight. What made you change your mind?' Merlin asked curiously.

'Arthur isn't that bad I guess; for a royal anyway.' Merlin laughed gently and the pair continued walking to the throne room to help clear up.

-XOX-

Arthur watched he servant walk away with Gwaine following. Something was wrong with Merlin, but Arthur didn't know what, and right now, he didn't want to know either. He walked up to his chambers, having just invited Gwen round for dinner. Entering his chambers he saw Merlin sat at his table waiting.

'I've been told to tell you there is still no sign of Morgana or Morgause. The rubble is almost completely cleared, and your father wishes to eat with you tonight.' Merlin said.

'Well that's tough, because I'm eating with Gwen tonight.'

'Arthur, I can't go and tell the king that you would rather dine with a serving girl than him, however much she means to you.'

'Fine, I'll dine with Gwen tomorrow. Tell my father I'll be ready in an hour.' Merlin just nodded and walked out of his room. Arthur sighed knowing he should be glad that his father at least wanted to dine with him; however he was just annoyed because he had ruined the chance to spend the evening with the woman he loves.

-XOX-

Merlin knocked gently on the door to the kings chambers.

'He said he will be ready in an hour sire.' Merlin said and the king nodded before turning round.

'Thank you Merlin; for everything; even though you have no skill with a blade you always stay loyal to my son. You will not be needed to serve tonight. I shall get one of my own servants to do it for both me and Arthur.' Merlin looked surprised at the king thanking him, let alone knowing his name.

'No sire, thank you. You appointed me as his servant, and I am eternally grateful for it.' Merlin bowed a proper bow before leaving the room.

Arthur walked into the great hall and sat opposite his father, trying not to show his annoyance.

'No Arthur, come and sit down here.' Uther said seeing his son preparing to sit. 'Firstly Arthur, I wish to apologise to you. I should have been honest with you about Morgana,' Uther said as the servants dished them out food. 'I did not realise she had magic, but I know that you should have known more about her. She has proven beyond doubt that magic is still evil.' Arthur held his hand up for his father to stop talking, and he was amazed when Uther did stop.

'Father, I understand your point of view on magic, I mean I know it killed my mother, but I do not believe that all magic is evil. In the past few years I have come close to death, I don't know how many times, however, I have been saved by magic. I believe that not all magic is evil, however it is like a sword, and only the wielder can choose how they use it, whether they use it to protect or attack.' Arthur lent back in his chair and sighed, no longer interested in his meal.

'That may be your judgement now, but in time you will come to realise just how evil magic is.' Uther said, looking carefully at his sons' reaction. Finally he continued, 'Since you have returned there are a couple of things that I wish to bring up, firstly; the fact that you knighted four non nobles.'

'Father, they of all people showed there nobility to me. Lancelot has shown it for a second time, and Gwaine has saved my life at least once. Without Percival Gwaine, Gaius, Leon, Elyan and I wouldn't be here, neither would Gwen.' He added in an afterthought.

'That brings me onto the second topic of discussion Arthur. This servant, I thought it was magic that drew you to her.'

'That is what it may be, but this is not recent father. I have loved Gwen for at least two years. I can not imagine anyone else being my queen.'

'I shall tell you of my decision in due course. Meanwhile, I wish to talk to you about your manservant – Mer-' Uther didn't complete his sentence as the servants fled from the room.

'I am Vitend, and I wish to tell you, Prince Arthur of a prophecy, the prophecy of the Once and Future King. The prophecy speaks of a young prince who has a sorcerer protecting him. There destinies are entwined and he will help the prince to become king. The prophecy has started to come true. The time of the Once and Future King is near…'

-XOX-

It was late into the night when Merlin left Camelot with just a sword, running off into the distance.

'Just where do you think your off to Merlin,' said a jokey voice. Merlin turned to see Lancelot propped against the tree to one side of him, and Gwaine on the other.

'You two should be back in Camelot, not out here.'

'Just because the battles over, it doesn't mean we'll disobey the Prince's orders Merlin,' Lancelot said. Of course Merlin would be under constant watch to make sure he was OK.

'Look, Lancelot can follow, but you need to go back to Camelot Gwaine.' Merlin sighed.

'Just because you're going to use magic Merlin doesn't mean I have to go,' Merlin turned to stare at Gwaine.

'You knew?'

'Of course, no one is that interested in a couple of plates and a bench just before it flies somewhere Merlin,' Merlin looked confused before remembering. In the bar brawl he had made plates fly.

'Fine, just don't tell Arthur yet please.' The trio walked off with Merlin in the lead. Silently they treaded, careful not to wake any animals.

They came to a stop in front of a big stone, where the moon light just shone on it. Merlin raised the sword, looking at the hilt his eyes blazed gold as fire seemed to skim across them. Finally he plunged the sword deep into the stone. Lancelot and Gwaine wondering what he was doing with such a fine blade.

AN – Hope you enjoyed it. For those of you reading my other story – 'Promise of Return' there will be more to it, at the moment I am in the middle of writing the next chapter.

Please review!

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