Chapter 2: Lord and Master
Back in Camelot, Queen Guinevere was alone, standing by the window in her chambers watching over the courtyard as the final bodies of the Battle of Camlann were brought into the citadel by cart. Even though her husband's death had been official announced, Gwen still hoped that he would come riding through the gates.
"Your majesty, there are matters of state which you need to look over," said the page by the door, Gwen didn't turn to him when she answered.
"Is there any news of Merlin?"
"No, your majesty, the patrols have searched all of the surrounding forests; there is no sign of him anywhere." Gwen nodded and turned to the boy.
"Send out more men, Merlin was travelling with King Arthur. It is important that we find him," The page bowed to her and turned to leave, Gwen reached into her bodice and pulled out the necklace she was wearing. Black leather wrapped around a silver ring; the Pendragon crest, given to her by Gaius when he returned from Arthur's side. With a heavy sigh she tucked the pendant into her dress once more, and braced herself before exiting into the corridor. As she walked, servants who used to be her friends bowed to her and noblemen and women stopped her to offer their condolences, all of them hoping to get on the good side of the new reigning queen.
As she reached the door to the small council chamber she met with Gaius, upon assessing the old man, she saw that he looked exhausted. No doubt from staying up waiting for his ward to return, she smiled kindly at him when she saw him.
"How are you, Gaius?"
"I'm quite alright, Gwen, just worried is all," She nodded and stroked his arm to offer some comfort, she knew how he felt as she too was worried; worried for her friend, worried for the future and worried for her husband. "They're alright, both of them," she said, trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
"Of course," said Gaius, before gesturing to the door with his hand. Gwen took a deep breath before nodding to the guards who were waiting to open the door; together the two guards pushed open the heavy doors, letting Gaius and Gwen enter. Inside they found the council members in deep discussion, but they went quiet after noticing that Gwen was in the room.
"Your majesty, we were unsure whether you would be attending," said one of the council member's, Lord Julian, a few nodded in agreement.
"I can't understand why, as Monarch of this kingdom, it is my duty to attend these meetings," she said with power, she could tell that her statement made some of the members uncomfortable.
"Of course, your majesty, but with news of your husband's death; we thought that you would wish to mourn for your loss," said another council member, his voice was gentle, as though he was afraid of her reaction. Gwen took a breath, knowing full well that these men didn't want her to be there.
"King Arthur gave her majesty the Pendragon crest, meaning she is the highest authority in this kingdom, and must sit in on any council meeting that takes place," said Gaius from beside her, with that he and Gwen moved to the opposite end of the table were they took their seats.
"So, Lord Harrison, could you be so kind to inform me on the matter which was being discussed before Gaius and I arrived," Gwen said looking to the nobleman who sat to her right. The man looked around the room at the other council members, before looking at Gwen.
"Your highness, we were discussing the extra men that you have sent out, and we feel that it would be best if we brought them back in," His voice was hesitant, Gwen looked around the room at the other noblemen, who seemed to nod in agreement of this man's words. Pursing her lips she looked over to Gaius, who was looking back at her, the horror of what these men where suggesting well hidden on his face. She looked back at the noblemen.
"The men who have gone out have been sent to find King Arthur and Merlin, as with some hope they are alive and well, this was my command. I only asked for volunteers as I know that the majority of our men are returning from battle." She said confidently.
"But, your majesty, it has been nearly four days since the battle; surly King Arthur and the boy are dead," said one of the council men.
"Unless there is proof confirming their death then I will not believe it," she said quickly, silencing any other attempt of protest from the noblemen.
"Yet you still mourn them," said another, referring to the black dress she was wearing.
"It was officially announced that my husband is dead, I am expected to mourn, but this does not stop me from believing that my husband- your king- is still alive," she said slowly and confidently, "Also, even if the worst has happened, Merlin may need help,"
"But he is just a servant, with the King dead, he has no place here," said one of the older noblemen, Lord Edmund.
"Perhaps he could have your position then, my lord," said Gwen, "I have reason to believe that Merlin is the reason we won the battle, and you'd do well to talk about him with more respect," Lord Edmund looked shocked at the bluntness of the Queen, he was about to make a retort when the doors to the council chamber's opened.
"Leon, what is it?" Gwen asked as she stood to address the knight, who was breathing deeply, suggesting that he ran to the council chambers.
"Your majesty, King Arthur has returned," Gwen immediately ran out of the room, followed by Gaius and the other noblemen. As they reached the courtyard, Gwen could hear her heart beating in her ears, but she paid no attention only searched desperately for her husband. As their eyes met across the courtyard, Gwen's knees nearly buckled, but she propelled herself forward as Arthur quickly made his way towards her.
They met in the middle with a hug, Gwen clinging to her husband as though he would slip away from her again, closing her eyes she felt tears slip down her cheeks. Arthur held onto his wife with great strength, but gently smoothed his hand over her hair before resting on the small of her back.
"You came back to me," Gwen whispered into her husband's ear.
"I always will, you are my life, Gwen," Arthur said in return, carefully he moved her back slightly, he looked at her face; memorising every detail of her, then gently brought his lips to hers, pouring all of his thoughts and emotions into this kiss. Pulling away, Gwen turned to find Merlin and Gaius hugging, Gaius laughing loudly at his ward's return; she saw Gwaine and Percival laughing with Leon, she smiled at the sight before her as she held tightly onto Arthur's side.
"Merlin," she called, he turned to her, "Thank you, for bringing him home," Merlin nodded to her. She then turned to Arthur, "Come we must celebrate your return,"
"Not right now, we are all tired and there is something I'd like to speak with you about," he said, his eyes momentarily shifting to Merlin, who was looking at the floor.
"Of course," she said, noticing the movement, she then turned and called servants to attend to their horses. As everyone was moving around, Merlin used the opportunity to slip away; he quickly left the courtyard to return to the physician's quarters. He entered his small room and sat on his bed in silence, he didn't notice that Gaius had quietly entered the room as well.
"So, the Sidhe decided to help you," he said as he sat beside him on the bed, Merlin shook his head.
"No... These spirits came to help us," Merlin said quietly.
"Spirits?" Gaius questioned.
"They call themselves The Innocents, they revived Arthur." He responded "They also told me of my new destiny," Gaius looked up at Merlin.
"What is it?" Gaius asked intrigued.
"To help Arthur rule Camelot, at his side," he said standing up, he lent on the wall and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Well... That's wonderful, is it not?" Gaius questioned.
"How can I help him? Especially after what I told him," Merlin asked as he looked up at Gaius.
"Give him time, and Arthur will except you magic-," Gaius started before Merlin cut him off.
"This isn't about my magic," he started, he slide to the floor and rested his forearms on his knees, "I told him that it was my fault that Uther is dead," Gaius opened his mouth, but closed it, knowing that his words would fall on deaf ears. Gaius stood and turned to leave, but stopped at the door.
"Arthur is a good man Merlin. Maybe before he can forgive you, you need to forgive yourself,"
In the king's chambers, Gwen and Arthur sat at the table, as Arthur told her the tale of his recovery and the truth about Merlin.
"Merlin is a sorcerer," Gwen said after he had finished, Arthur nodded, "How do you feel about that?" Gwen asked gently, placing her hand on his.
"I don't mind, and I've come to accept that he couldn't tell me, but what he did to my father... how can I forgive him for that?"
"You know Merlin would never do anything to hurt you; if he said he didn't mean for your father to die, then I believe him." Arthur thought over Gwen's words, she was right; Merlin had only ever tried to help with his magic.
"What are we going to do then? Magic is still illegal, and Merlin doesn't deserve to die, he saved us all," Arthur said, Gwen smiled.
"I think you are forgetting Arthur... you're the king,"
Back in Gaius' chamber, Merlin was sat at the small wooden dining table as Gaius place a bowl of soup in front of him, Merlin rested his head on his hand as he pushed the broth around with his spoon.
"I've been thinking," Merlin said, not looking up at Gaius as he spoke.
"About?" Gaius asked.
"Maybe it would be best if I leave- go back to Ealdor- Arthur is safe now, and it would be easier for him if I'm not around," Merlin said, shifting his eyes to see the look of horror on Gaius' face at his suggestion.
"Merlin... you can't possibly think that this would help anyone," Merlin shrugged and looked back down at the soup in front of him, Gaius looked at his ward thinking of some way to persuade him that this was a bad idea. His thoughts were halted by a knock on the door, a young page enter after a moment and looked at the pair.
"Excuse me, but the King would like to see Merlin in his chambers, immediately," Merlin looked to Gaius, who nodded to him. Merlin took a deep breath and stood from the table. Slowly he followed the page up to Arthur's chambers. Outside he stood for a while, gathering the courage to enter, he brought up his fist and timidly knocked on the door.
"Enter!" Called Arthur on the other side, Merlin pushed the door open slightly and slid into the room.
"Ah! Merlin, thank you for coming," said Gwen, Merlin stayed by the door and looked over to Arthur, only to find that he was staring at him in return; Merlin quickly looked away.
"Is there anything you need?" Merlin asked.
"No, but we would like to talk to you about something, please sit," Gwen said, gesturing to the vacant chairs at the table which she and Arthur sat at, Merlin moved to sit at the far end of the table; away from Arthur and Gwen but facing then.
"In light of recent events, Arthur and I have been discussing your position here in court," started Gwen.
"I understand." Merlin said, looking down at the edge of the table.
"Understand, what?" Arthur said, leaning forward to rest his arms on the table, trying in vain to catch his friend's eye, he had finally come to terms with what Merlin had hidden from him; but from the look on his friends face he could tell that Merlin thought otherwise.
"I understand if you want me to leave Camelot, but I just want to tell you that you don't need to worry, I've decided to go back to Ealdor." Merlin said quickly and quietly, Gwen and Arthurs heads snapped to one another, dread reflecting each other as they struggled to come to terms with what Merlin had told them.
"No Merlin, we don't want you to leave," said Arthur, Merlin glanced up at them; Arthur managed to finally catch his friend's eye and offered him a small smile, hoping that it would show the young warlock that he had been forgiven. Confused, Merlin lent back in his chair, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked at his friends.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Merlin said, Gwen and Arthur shared another look.
"We want to raise your position, as the man who saved us, it seems only right that you are given a position which reflects the nature of your accomplishment," explained Arthur, "Normally, I would bestow a knighthood, but we both know that your sword work is shocking."
"Thanks," said Merlin sarcastically.
"Anytime," said Arthur.
"What he means, is that we believe that with your talents, a different position is more suited to you," said Gwen glaring at her husband, but inwardly smiling at their antics, happy that they seemed to be returning to their normal friendship.
"What position?" Merlin asked.
"One that hasn't been used in Camelot in centuries," Arthur said, Merlin looked expectantly at the pair.
"We want to appoint you Court Sorcerer," Arthur said; Merlin's heart stopped, his mouth dropped open at the idea.
"But- but magic- it's illegal," Merlin stammered.
"Not anymore, I'm going to announce it tomorrow evening, then in a week there will be a ceremony to appoint you," Merlin was speechless. Magic was finally going to become legal; suddenly the heaviness on his shoulders had finally left, leaving him feeling weightless and free, because now he was. After years of hiding and lying to those he holds dear, he was able to truly be himself. His heart was racing and a smile crept across his face, he looked up at his friends with an expression of gratitude, as he could form no words.
"I don't know what to say," Merlin said.
"Say yes," said Gwen with a smile.
"Yes, of course, yes!" Merlin said, with that he and Arthur stood up, moving closer they shook hands; but after a moment Arthur pulled his friend in for a hug.
"Thank you Merlin, for everything."
Days had now past; Arthur had made the announcement which officially stated that magic was now legal in Camelot, there was surprisingly little protest to this new law, as it seemed that everyone was tired of the bloodshed that had been taking place for over a decade. A surprising number of sorcerers had travelled to Camelot, to thank King Arthur for their newly obtained freedom. It had also been announced that Merlin would soon be titled Court Sorcerer, making him very popular with many noblemen, who wanted to put in a good word with the man who is the best friend of the King and now had power to rival their own. Merlin had also been given new chambers, to fit his title, but still was close to Gaius; as the young Warlock didn't wish to be too far from his mentor, Merlin standing by the window of his new chambers, looking out on the vast view of Camelot.
"So what do you think?" sounded Arthur's voice from the doorway.
"I think... I liked the view in my old room better," Merlin said in jest, he heard Arthur scoff and turned to face him.
"There's just no pleasing you, is there?" Arthur said whilst leaning on the table in the middle of the room.
"You're one to talk," Merlin smiled, "So to what do I owe the pleasure, thought I wouldn't be seeing you until tonight," Tonight was the ceremony in which Merlin would be titled; the castle was busy preparing for it.
"Yes, but there is one more thing I'd like to show you, come on," Arthur said whilst standing up.
"Where are we going?" Merlin asked.
"For once in your life can you just do as you're told without asking any question," Arthur said jokingly.
"Well I'm not your servant anymore so you can't tell me what to do," Merlin said folding his arms in defiance.
"That's true, but I am the King," Arthur said with a straight face.
"Well then... lead the way... sire," Merlin said.
Merlin followed Arthur up a winding staircase, going up one of the castle towers; Arthur stopped in front of a door and turned to Merlin.
"This belonged to the court sorcerer during my father's reign," Arthur explained.
"Nimueh," Merlin said.
"You knew her?" Arthur said, taken aback.
"Had a little bit of a run in with her on the Isle of the Blessed," Merlin said.
"During the Great Purge, many tried to open it, but it appears to be closed with magic," Arthur told Merlin, Merlin nodded and moved up to the door, he place his hand over the lock and whispered; 'æbære,' the door opened slightly, Merlin and Arthur looked at each other in surprise, looking back at the door Merlin pushed it open. Inside two of the walls were lined with dozens upon dozens of books, shelves holding tinctures and other draughts of potions and herbs covered another, a table in the middle of the room was covered in old parchment. Merlin and Arthur walked into the room and inspected it carefully, two large windows on the far wall allowed light to enter the room, Merlin pushed one open as the air was stale due to the room being lock for so long.
"It's incredible, for a decade my father hunted down all things magically, not knowing that the biggest magical collection was actual here; in his home," Arthur said whilst reading one of the papers on the table. Merlin nodded and moved over to a large chest that was pushed up against a wall, pushing it open he found various magical trinkets and amulets. He held on in his hand and inspected it for a second; placing it back down he turned to Arthur.
"Gaius would love to see this; could I possibly bring him here?" Merlin asked.
"Well that's not my decision, this is yours now," Arthur said whilst leaning on the table.
"Really?" Merlin asked shocked.
"It comes with your title, and besides Gaius may have already seen it," Arthur said, Merlin nodded and looked around the room. "We should go it is nearly time for your ceremony," Arthur said clapping Merlin on the shoulder.
Back in his chambers Merlin changed into his purple shirt, as he was fastening his belt around his waist there was a knock on his door, opening it found Gwen; dressed in a very elegant gown, and holding a large box.
"Gwen, come in," Merlin said quickly, offering to take the box from her, Gwen declined.
"I have a gift for you," she said, setting the box on the table "I figured you wouldn't have anything appropriate to wear for this evening so I had this made for you," Gwen gestured to Merlin to open the box and stood back. Merlin opened the box to find a dark purple jacket inside; it was made out of smooth velvet and was embodied with dragons.
"I thought... considering you wouldn't be getting a red cloak, that you could represent you kingdom in your own way," Gwen said, Merlin lifted it out and smiled at her. Carefully her shrugged it on and with her help he fasted up the silver buttons on the front, after it was on she stepped back and inspected him.
"Hmm... It's missing one thing," Gwen said, Merlin looked up at her confused, she smiled; "I know," she then held out a light purple neckerchief, taking it from her Merlin fastened it around his neck and tuck the end of it into his jacket. "There... perfect," said Gwen.
"Look at how far we have come," Merlin said, smiling at her, "You were my first friend here in Camelot, do you know that?" Gwen shook her head.
"You are so much more now Merlin, you are my brother, and I love you as one," Gwen said, the two share a quick hug. "It's time," said Gwen.
Knights and noblemen crowded in the throne room, all facing Arthur and Gwen who sat on their individual thrones; the doors at the back of the room opened and Merlin quietly walked down the middle of the crowd, he could feel all eyes on him, but he kept his forward as he neared the steps leading to the thrones. On the front line of the crowd he saw his closest friends; Gwaine, Percival and Lean. He also saw his father-figure, Gaius, whose eyes shone with pride as Merlin passed him. At the foot of the steps Merlin knelt before Arthur, who had risen from his throne to greet him.
"Today we mark the beginning of a new era; an age of peace and magic throughout Camelot. All of which could not have been achieved without the courage of one man." Arthur's voice carried throughout the room, Merlin looked up at him from his place as Geoffrey of Monmouth moved towards them, holding a pillow where a silver amulet rested; the amulet had a thick silver chain, made up of silver circles which had different markings of the Old Religion on them, its pendant was another circle which hung away from the others and instead of a marking had a purple stone pressed into it. Arthur lifted it up from the pillow and held it out in front of him. "Do you give your solemn oath, to use your magic for good; to protect Camelot and her people?"
"I do," Merlin said confidently. Arthur slowly lowered the amulet around Merlin's head, resting it on his shoulders, so the pendant hung on his chest. Merlin stood and turned to the congregation behind him.
"I present to you, Lord Merlin; High Warlock and Court Sorcerer of Camelot!" Everyone clapped and Merlin stood quietly; suddenly feeling very self-conscious.
"Now on to the feast!" Arthur called over the noise; several cheers erupted from the crowd, as people began filing out of the room to the banquet hall. Merlin stood in the same spot as Gaius and the Knights came over to him.
"Congratulations Merlin," said Sir Leon.
"Yeah well done mate," Percival added.
"I have to say, you scrub up well, Milord." Gwaine said.
"Thank you, all of you," Merlin said, electively ignoring Gwaine.
"Come on you lot, you're making the man miss his own feast," Arthur jested, moving down the steps, with Gwen, to join them.
"Ah! Of course, I for one am very looking forward to having a drinking in honour of our new lord and master," Gwaine said, causing Merlin to shove him in the shoulder; in the days leading up the event, Merlin had talked to his friends and explicitly told him that he didn't want his new title to change their friendship, which affectively gave Gwaine the go ahead to annoy Merlin with it whenever he pleased.
"You're just looking forward to the drink in general," Percival said, coming to Merlin's aid.
"Very true," Gwaine said, then proceeded to walk out of the throne room with Percival and Leon, Gaius followed behind after sharing a short hug with his ward. As they left Merlin felt a clap on his shoulder, he turned to see Arthur and Gwen.
"How are you feeling?" Arthur asked.
"It's a lot to take in," Merlin said.
"Don't worry, we're all here to help you, even Gwaine," Arthur said.
"Well then I'm doomed," Merlin joked, and together they all walked to the banquet hall.
