The Golden Age Universe
At Deaths Door – Prologue
~Fran Gipani

Disclaimer- So I obviously don't own Merlin no matter how much I'd love to :'( but I do own my OC Brooke

Note from the Author- Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! Sorry...I haven't got to the stage of writing a proper sequel before so I am rather exited! :P So if you haven't noticed this is a sequel...it is the second in my 'The Golden Age' Series :) You will probably need to have read the first in this series, As Shadows Fall, to understand this but if you have any questions feel free to ask :) I don't bite! Anywho...on with the story! :)
~Fran

P.S. This is a reupload because I worked out there was something completely wrong and I needed to fix all of the story. Sorry :/

Arthur entered the council chambers at a brisk walk with Guinevere close behind. As he entered the council stood in respect for their king and queen. Arthur motioned for them all to sit; he had a serious look on his face as he as he began to speak. "I have called you all here on a matter of importance today. This matter is something that I have been thinking over for a long time; since the banishment of the Warlock Merlin about a year ago. Since then I have been taught a lot about magic but the one most important thing is that magic is not all ways bad." Arthur paused here, noting the looks on the councils faces. Most looked rather confused while others just looked downright angry. He had hoped that some may have been slightly opposed to Uther's rein but as it turned out his father had managed to scare the council into submission and brainwash them into thinking magic was only evil. This is going to be harder than I thought. But with Merlin in mind he began to speak again. "I am sure if you didn't witness the evens at the tallest tower six months ago then you must have heard about what happened. Merlin, a warlock, saved my life but because of this he is now on the brink of loosing his own." He waited for the mutterings to die down so he could start again but one of the council members began to speak.

"But magic is evil and it corrupts. Let the sorcerer die!" There were a few mutterings of approval from around the table at this but they eventually silenced at the look on their kings face.

Still standing Arthur glared down at the man thinking thank my lucky stars that Merlin's not here to hear all this hatred. He heard enough of it all ready. "Merlin saved my life and the whole of Camelot so many times over. He is my friend I am not going to let him die." Arthur took in a deep breath, "In Merlin's honour I am going to revoke the ban of the use of magic in Camelot. Those who practice magic that poses a threat to Camelot will go on trial before they get their punishment."

"This is disrespectful to your fathers rule!" One of the lords started, "Like I just said! Legalizing magic will only destroy Camelot. I cannot let you do this!"

"I am your king!" Arthur's voice rose, echoing around the high cielinged room. "There is nothing that you can do to opse me. I trust this man with my life. I trust his judgement. My father was prejudiced against magic and was blinded by his hate. I not saying his rule over this kingdom failed, nor am I saying that mine will succeed. What I am trying to say is that his view on magic was one sided and that my view of magic has been changed for the better."

Arthur paused, staring around at them all taking in their expressions. Taking in their shock and in some faces a slight hatred. Thank goodness Merlin's not here...he thought again...he shouldn't be hearing all this hatred. "I will need to continuously alter the laws to make sure it is fair for all good users of magic This will take some time, don't slay your dragons before they attack, so to speak. I know you have all been affected by my fathers reign but I am sure that you all will learn, as I have, that magic can be a force for good. If you all don't have anything to say then I will bid you my leave."

The lords all rose from their seats as their King made to leave the room, and their Queen stood to flow them out. Just as Arthur got to the heavy oak double door and had pushed them both open the lord who had been at Uther's side since the start of the great purge roughly pushed out his chair and took a defiant step towards Arthur. "What has that sorcerer done to you?" The lord shouted angrily, "Your father would be insulted by such actions considering the kingdom!"

Arthur turned around, a look of pure hatred coming over his face, "You cannot speak to me like that! I am your king!"

"But your father...!" The lord spat out his words venomously.

"My father was wrong!" Arthur took a step forward to meet the man in front of him. "I know that this is a risk, but it is a risk I am willing to take; I trust Merlin and what he has shown me magic really isn't all evil I don't need your support to bring this law to pass but I would like it."

"I don't like it. But I guess I can't really back down...I trust you like I did your father when he was king." The older man frowned as if battling with himself inside his head. He held out his arm, "My apologies sire. I hope you can accept them."

Arthur took the lords hand and slowly shook it, "Thank you. I shall leave you now; I have matters to attend to." He nodded to the lords who were all still standing in slight shock from experiencing their kings' anger over the matter. They all bowed in return as Arthur left the room with Gwen following behind. As the doors closed with a loud clunk behind him Arthur felt a sense of achievement from the recent events he thought this is all in your honour Merlin. This is all for you.

Note from the Author- So that was just the prologue but I hope you enjoyed! This little chapter is actually set more or less 6 months after the events in As Shadows Fall but the rest of the story will be set straight after the events in As Shadows Fall, then will lead up to this point. I will be trying to update weekly but you can let me know if that rate is too slow or too quick :) Remember to review and tell me what you thought! :)
~Fran