Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, all rights belong to BBC and Shine. I'm not profiting from this, just having fun with the characters … only the ideas are mine but you knew that anyway!

Kizzia: Apologies for not getting this up sooner – I got slightly sidetracked trying to work all the spoilers into the plan for the future episodes and realised that I can't work like that. So I have made the decision – if a spoiler fits with and/or enhances my story or is just too good not to include I'll work it. If it doesn't I will just ignore it - this is too well plotted now for me to keep reworking without having a nervous breakdown! I think it is also safe to say that the Merlin writers and I don't see eye to eye and that my version of S4 will be nothing like the real thing. But I don't care, as long as I am enjoying writing it and you are enjoying reading it.

Again, thank you to all who have reviewed, favourited and alerted. I hope you enjoy the next instalment.

Sub-episode 1 – Aftermath – Part III

The noon-day sun was beating down on a forest situated just beyond Camelot's northern border and although the dense leaves stopped a significant amount of the light from reaching the forest floor the same couldn't be said for the heat. Most of the animals who called the place home were resting and only the sleepy buzzing of flies and the occasional call of a bird gave any indication of habitation. The two travellers who had materialised on the outskirts just after dawn were also resting, sitting on a fortuitously fallen tree by a shallow pool.

'Are you sure you are well enough for this?' Morgana asked, eyeing Morgause's drained complexion and shaking hands. 'I thought I'd be able to take us further north with my magic, make it easier for you. But as this morning proved I'm not yet able to channel my power to that extent, so I can't help but think that …'

'Why do you question my judgement, Sister?' Morgause snapped, fixing Morgana with a fierce scowl. 'I have already told you this journey is necessary and that I am more than capable of undertaking it.'

'I question you because I care.' Morgana replied, outwardly unruffled by the outburst. 'I am not disputing the need to get out of Camelot, nor our need to find and secure the assistance of this Blaise you have spoken of. I am simply expressing my concern that you have not fully recovered. You are my only true family now and I do not like to watch you suffer if it is needless.'

Morgause's face softened at the words, hands reaching for Morgana's.

'I'm sorry Sister. I should not berate you when without you I would not be here at all. It is just that I cannot bear being disconnected from my power. Now you have tapped the wellspring of your magic you know what it is I miss. I feel as if I am wrapped in cloth, separate from the world, every sense muffled, dulled, useless. I cannot bear to live like this much longer sister, it will drive me mad.'

Morgana said nothing to this pronouncement but her eyes darkened and her hands clenched beneath Morgause's, guilt and anger warring within her. Guilt that her own power was so much stronger and more malleable since the healing she had performed on Morgause. Initially she had thought she'd been completely successful but then she'd realised only her sister's body was healed and, despite many subsequent efforts, she had been unable to restore Morgause's link to her magic.

That damage, the damage Morgause felt so keenly, was suffering from so terribly, that was all down to the men who had destroyed her defences and emptied of the Cup of Life. Merlin and Lancelot would answer for their actions – Merlin would answer for much, much more - but the defeat wasn't down to them. No, it was all down to that two faced sorcerer who had betrayed his kind when the purge began and was still betraying them now.

'Gaius will pay for this,' she spat out, anger winning. 'For if he had not interfered, used power we never suspected he could command, you would not have been injured and Merlin would never have reached the Cup.' She moved in front of Morgause and knelt, staring unblinkingly into her eyes.

'I promise you that he will suffer as you have suffered. I will make sure of it … I swear it.'

Morgause gave a regal nod, eyes full of approval for the powerful woman at her feet who had, so recently, still been a girl in her eyes.

'Yes, he should be made to pay and I am honoured that you would undertake to do so. However first I must be made whole again.'

'Indeed,' Morgana said, standing and attempting to smooth her ragged outfit before helping Morgause up. 'Come, Sister, there is quite a journey ahead of us.' As they moved off the dust and leaves stirred up by their passage seemed to dance in the shafts of sunlight but the beauty was lost on them, focused as they were on their thoughts of restoration and revenge.

xxxxxxxxxx

That same sunlight was causing Arthur to squint as he stood at his window, staring out at the kingdom that was now his responsibility and trying not to think. He had entered his chambers to find a platter of cold meats and bread laid out on the table for the noon meal but Merlin himself was conspicuous by his absence. Unable to stomach even the thought of food after the morning he'd just endured he had given the table a wide berth as he'd made for his favourite spot.

It was not long until he heard the door creak open, heard Merlin say his name and then repeat it several times but he couldn't bring himself to answer. He wasn't certain that he could speak without giving in to the burning sensation at the back of his eyes. He had once told Merlin that no man was worth his tears and although he had since had more than enough cause to revise that opinion he didn't feel like having his nose rubbed in his change of heart. After another five minutes, the clang of jug and goblets having given way to silence, a hand was placed on his shoulder.

'You should eat, Arthur, you're going to need your strength this afternoon.'

'Hmm … I … well …' Arthur trailed off into silence, unable to articulate his thoughts. Giving Merlin a slightly sheepish look he instead took his place at the table and then proceeded to stare at the food without even attempting to eat it.

'Do you wish me to get something from Gaius for your headache?' was Merlin's next overture to conversation.

'How do you know I've got a headache?'

'Your face is scrunched up like a … a… garrulous goat,' Merlin rejoined, face serious but eyes glinting. 'In fact you look constipated.'

'Idiot,' Arthur retorted but his heart wasn't in it and his voice sounded flat even to his own ears. I'm a warrior, he reminded himself in the privacy of his own head, I have courage. He filled two goblets with wine, took a sip from one and then spoke.

'Look, sit down instead of hanging about like unwanted washing. I want to know what you think about something.'

Merlin slide into the chair opposite, eyes narrowed in suspicion. 'This isn't where you sound like you're going to ask me something important but end up ordering me to do some 'meaningful' task like muck out the stables is it?'

Arthur gave an exasperated snort before plonking the second goblet in front of Merlin and motioning for him to drink.

'No it isn't.' he said, watching Merlin take a considerable gulp of the scarlet liquid. 'I'm being completely serious. Not that I've ever done that anyway. '

When Merlin's look of disbelief didn't go he added, 'Look, I may not say it often but I do value your opinion. You are one of the few true friends I've got and I want your thoughts on this.' Wincing at the words he hadn't meant to voice so frankly he added sternly, 'Although if you try and make me repeat that to anyone else I'll deny everything.'

Merlin nodded vigorously, taking another large slurp of his wine in an effort not to give a smart retort – Arthur really didn't look as if he could take it. Arthur's eyes bored into Merlin's, the silence stretched between them until Arthur finally asked his question; one that threw Merlin completely.

'What do you think about magic, Merlin?' Arthur's voice was neutral, giving Merlin no help as to how he should answer.

'It is banned, Sire.' He finally responded, voice equally as bland.

'And that isn't an answer. I want to know what you think about magic.'

'I, umm, well … you actually want my personal opinion?'

'No, I want you to stutter at me all afternoon.' Arthur said crossly, before taking a deep breath and continuing more calmly. 'I want you to tell me - right now, after all that's happened - what you think about magic.' There was a hint of desperation in Arthur's eyes and suddenly Merlin's mouth seemed to be acting without the consent of Merlin's brain.

'I don't think magic is evil, if that's what you are getting at.'

Surprisingly, Arthur didn't look upset or angry at Merlin's blunt pronouncement. Instead he asked a further, very simple question.

'Why?'

'Because magic is like a … a… dog.'

'Pardon.'

'Look, you can train a dog to fetch and sit and hunt and bring down animals, yes?'

'Yes?'

'It will do whatever you command, provided it is capable of doing so?'

'Yes, but I …'

'Do you want me to finish or not?' Merlin glared at the Prince, who immediately closed his mouth tightly.

'The day you command it to bring down a human rather than a deer the dog hasn't changed - it isn't doing anything other than obeying orders. The power is all with you, with the one giving the command. The dog isn't evil, but you, the owner, are using it to commit an evil act. Magic is exactly the same, it isn't inherently good or evil, it all depends on what the one with the magic uses it for.'

Arthur was quiet for a few minutes, eyes focused not on Merlin but a point just above his head, his mouth twitching as if he were talking to himself. Finally, he smiled. Just barely, but it was there.

'I think you're right. But don't let it go to your head, that analogy was appalling. It would have worked a lot better if you had compared magic to a sword.'

Merlin blinked rapidly, biting down on the urge to say that magic was far more alive than a sword. Instead he allowed a grin to spread across his face as he asked.

'You're agreeing with me? Just like that?'

'Merlin,' Arthur's voice was raised slighting in warning but there was no real threat in it. 'Yes, I am, but I still think magic is dangerous. Look at all the threats Camelot has faced from it.'

'Most of which wouldn't have been there if it wasn't banned.' Merlin said, again almost against his will. 'I … well, you asked for my honest opinion, you can throw me in the stocks if you don't like it … I think that if Morgana hadn't had to hide her magic - if she had been able to grow up learning to use it rather than fearing it - Camelot's enemies wouldn't have been able to sway her from her loyalty to you and your father because they would have had no leverage.'

Merlin stood, stalking to the fireplace before turning back to face Arthur, face taut with pain.

'They promised her a life free of fear and she took the chance to seize it with both hands. Just imagine what it must have been like for her, Arthur, watching people who had done nothing more than consort with someone suspected of sorcery be killed, seeing her own maid's innocent father die, believing that one slip and she would be next.' Merlin's voice was now shaking with emotion.

'When Morgause took her she didn't have anyone in Camelot she could be herself with, there was no one she could trust.' Merlin closed his eyes briefly, face dead white. 'Morgause offered her something she didn't think she'd ever have – acceptance for who she really is. It is any wonder she allied herself to that woman.'

The last two words were almost spat and Arthur's eyebrows, which had been rising steadily through Merlin's mini-rant, disappeared into his hair.

'I've obviously touched a nerve.' He said coolly, wondering how much of Merlin's views he would have heard if he hadn't practically ordered him to drink the wine.

'Well I'm not exactly fond of Morgause,' Merlin replied, mistaking what Arthur meant by his comment. 'She turned someone I thought to call friend against me, against us all. She's caused me to act in ways I'm not proud of and her thirst for revenge has laid waste to most of Ascetir as well as to Camelot. All because she allowed hate to colour her every thought and act.… No matter what grievances she may have had with Uther her methods were inexcusable.'

Merlin sat back down opposite Arthur, pushing his hands through already tousled hair causing it to standing on end. Arthur's knuckles were white on the hand gripping his goblet; at the mention of his father his breathing had become fast and ragged. He wasn't looking at Merlin, instead studying his uneaten meal.

'She had good reason for that hate though.' Arthur's voice too was shot through with pain as he forced himself to voice the thought that had first surfaced when he saw Morgause take the crown from Uther's head to crown Morgana and now, since his 'talk' with his father, refused to be silenced. 'If my father hadn't been so ridgid and unbending … If he hadn't made a personal grievance a matter of state … None of this would have happened. My father, by his own fear and hatred, caused all this to happen. He may as well have killed our people himself.'

Two pairs of blue eyes met, pain and understanding mirrored in each.

'He may have been wrong but he was acting out of a desire to protect. He was doing what he thought was right.' Merlin said softly, hating the misery he could see in Arthur's face. 'He was trying to take care his kingdom and his people but he lost his way. Personal isn't the same as important, he just didn't realise he'd confused the two.'

'And now I have to clear up the mess.' Arthur said, voice thick as he turned his face away sharply.

Wordlessly Merlin stood, fetched a linen square from the Prince's closet and placed it next to him on the table. He then busied himself relaying the fire. Once the noise of the Prince blowing his nose had died away he returned to his seat, trying to find some words to say. In the end it was Arthur that spoke first.

'Thank you, Merlin.' He said, his countenance once again calm.

'What for?' Merlin said, surprised by this sudden change of mood.

'Being honest with me. Telling me what you truly think rather than what you think I want to hear.'

'Always have.' Merlin said, pushing the plate in front of his master. 'Now eat. I didn't fetch that for the good of my health.'

With a wry grin Arthur complied although Merlin caught the mutter of 'idiot' as he went to lay the Prince's clothes out for the afternoon.

xxxxxxxxxx

'… so you see, Lord Alric, as Geoffrey has confirmed, my actions in knighting three commoners were perfectly valid.' Arthur said, inclining his head respectfully to the now scowling Lord.

'Indeed,' Alric replied, barely hiding the discontent in his voice. 'However you said three commoners … and there are four new knights.'

Arthur's smile didn't quite fit under the hand he used to hide it when Gwaine, seated on Arthur's immediate left stood and addressed the council.

'It seems that I have been remiss in how I introduced myself to you all. I shall now remedy that. I am Sir Gwaine of Ponthir, only son of Sir Gaheris.' He concluded with a bow that bordered on the irreverent and Merlin, stood by the door of the room they were temporarily using as the council chambers, had to bite the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

'My Lord,' Alric said obsequiously after turning to Geoffrey who confirmed Gwaine's pronouncement with a nod. 'I apologise for any slight I may inadvertently have caused with my earlier comments. I was not aware of your origins.'

'No harm done, friend,' Gwaine said, striding round to where Alric was sitting and clapping him on the shoulder, almost knocking the man out of his chair. 'You weren't to know.'

Arthur, with supreme self control as far as Merlin was concerned, motioned Gwaine back to his seat with a murmur of thanks. Glancing at the Council members Merlin could see Sir Leon's mouth twitching and the other young knights present were also fighting back grins. Merlin was pleased to note that Sir Ector and Lord Hoel, both of whom were close compatriots of Uther, also looked amused by the proceedings and Alric's discomfort. Gaius and Geoffrey both looked impeccably impassive and only Alric and the other three older non-warrior Lords looked upset.

'Now, if we are all satisfied as to the acceptability of my actions?' Arthur paused, making eye contact with each man seated at the table. When it became clear no one had anything else to add he steeled himself to really put the cat among the pigeons.

'These last few weeks have been very difficult for us all,' he began, leaning back in his chair as if he was completely relaxed. 'and I'm sorry to say that I cannot see any respite in the near future. The Camelot I grew up in has been shaken to the core and it will take many months to restore the damage Lady Morgana and her accomplices have inflicted. Buildings can and are being repaired, and repaired quickly, but her actions cost us the lives of many, warriors and commoners alike, and this loss will resonate through our land for many years to come. Our fighting strength has been reduced by half and in the majority of the outlying villages between the Citadel and Ascetir most of the men folk were slain. The harvest is almost upon us yet swathes of crops have been damaged and there are not enough people to gather what is left. A kingdom is only as strong as the people who inhabit it and now our people are grieving, in pain and weak. We will be lucky to survive the winter unscathed.'

Alric had opened his mouth to speak but it was Sir Ector's voice that filled the chamber.

'I applaud your clear sight, Sire. Many men would refuse to accept such a bleak outlook. However I have watched you grow and seen you command troops on many occasions and I know you for an astute strategist. You would not speak like this if you did not have a plan for remedying this situation. I hope you are going to tell us what it is.'

If Merlin hadn't known otherwise he would have suspected Sir Ector had been primed and had it not been for the look of sheer incredulity that had crossed Arthur's face at Ector's pronouncement he was pretty certain most of the Council would have thought that as well.

'I am indeed, Ector,' Arthur said having swiftly got himself back under control. 'We need men. Trained soldiers, to help us guard the citadel and the outlying regions, plus ordinary men who can help with the harvest.'

'And are they going to appear out of thin air?' interrupted Lord Pellam, a close friend of Alric, incredulity vibrating in every syllable.

'If you would let me finish, my Lord,' Arthur said, eyes narrowed dangerously.

'My apologies.' Lord Pellam muttered, 'Please continue.'

'Mercia, Dumnonia, Glywysing and Powys were unaffected by the recent troubles and each of these Kingdoms have abided by the treaties we hold with them. Bayard, Cador, Tewdrig and Cyngen are honest and fair Kings and I am sure that if approached in the right way they would be more than willing to send men and crops to our assistance.'

'Are you mad?' Alric burst out, apparently unmoved by the looks of censure he received from everyone. 'It is bad enough you can sit there and announce to us that Camelot is on the verge of collapse, without shouting it from the towers. You cannot seriously expect us to consider this as a viable course of action.'

'I can and I do,' Arthur said firmly, leaning forward and resting his hands flat on the table. 'I am not suggesting we inform the world that we are weakened and vulnerable. I am saying that we need to inform our four nearest western neighbours, all of whom have proved they can be trusted, of Lady Morgana's actions and request the loan of some men and soldiers to assist in the clear up. The world is changing and we must move with the times. It is no longer enough to stand alone and protect our own borders. Morgana will try again – make no mistake about that – and I cannot see that she will be content with just Camelot as her plaything. No, she will seek to exert her power far and wide. If we stand together with the Kingdoms surrounding us we will be stronger and they will be stronger. Together our Kingdoms can achieve what Camelot alone cannot. While I look after this Kingdom, ruling in my father's stead, I will do whatever it takes to make sure it survives. I will not let fear or pride prevent my people and my land from receiving the help it so sorely needs.'

Silence greeted Arthur's impassioned pronouncement, even Merlin was a little stunned by his fervour. This was the second time in a week that he had seen Arthur become the "Once and Future King" Kilgharrah had prophesied him to be all those years ago. Kilgharrah's words, together you will unite the land of Albion, echoed through his head. At the time that goal had seemed an unattainable ideal but here and now the first steps were being taken. Arthur was becoming the man he was born to be, just as Merlin was.

Predictably it was Alric who broke the silence.

'Your father would never have entertained such a notion. Are you trying to imply he has given his sanction to this course of action? I wasn't aware he was receiving anyone.'

'The Regent is not just anyone,' Gaius spoke for the first time, tone measured and self assured. 'Prince Arthur requested he be allowed to visit this morning and since Uther expressed a desire to see his son I raised no objection. They spent several hours in discussion and Uther is now resting.'

'And?' Alric said, shooting Arthur a pointed look.

'My father raised no objections to any of the plans I discussed with him this morning,' Arthur replied, meeting Alric's eyes squarely, inwardly thanking any gods in the vicinity that he'd had enough foresight to put together such a sentence in advance. He wasn't about to lie to achieve what was necessary but there were always ways to put things if you just thought about it.

'None at all?'

'Not one.' Arthur's gaze was unwavering and his voice steady. No-one doubted the truth of his words.

'Well if Uther hasn't objected to this I can't see how we can,' Sir Leon said briskly. 'I can't deny the truth of Prince Arthur's assessment of our strength at present, or rather the lack of it and this would seem to be the only way to get us safely though harvest and the coming winter without further loss of life.'

'That's if the other Kingdoms co-operate.' Alric said grudgingly. 'I mean, if they were in the same predicament we wouldn't answer such a call.'

The denials and disbelieving snorts which greeted that comment filled the chamber, even Lord Pellam rounding on Alric with a look of disgust.

'We follow the Knight's code.' Sir Ector said once the tumult had died down. 'We don't ignore a call for aid. Neither will they.'

'That's settled then,' Arthur said serenely, nodding to the clerk who had been noting down what was said. 'Council dismissed.'

xxxxxxxxxx

Merlin paused as he crossed the courtyard the next day, noting the grey black clouds on the eastern horizon with a grimace. It wouldn't affect the four messengers he and Arthur had seen off just after dawn, they were travelling either west or north and would now be hours ahead of what looked like a nasty storm. No, it was the lone rider somewhere between Camelot and Ealdor that Merlin was worried for. He was almost certain the man should be on his way back but no-one sensible would ride through weather like that so Merlin could probably assume he wouldn't hear anything until tomorrow at the earliest. I need to learn to scry, he thought to himself firmly, adding that skill to an ever growing mental list of things he needed to practice and vowing that tonight he'd pay another visit to the empty, unguarded cavern deep below ground where there was little possibility of being discovered. The feeling of helplessness which had almost crippled him two nights ago had faded after he'd acted on his brainwave and he was determined to ensure he would not feel like that ever again. He'd intended to go back last night but, unexpectedly, he'd fallen asleep almost as soon as he'd lain down, only waking when the first light of dawn crept pinkly across the sky. He felt fresher than he had in weeks and now he had a proper plan of action his confidence was returning. The next time Camelot was attacked he would be more than ready and when Morgana resurfaced she wouldn't be facing a half trained boy. No, Merlin would be ready for her and she would be fighting a man who commanded a set of skills equal to his prodigious power.

Kizzia: Reviews? Go on, you know you want to. Please!