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Sorry it took me so long to update. I'm a music major so I do this in the VERY LITTLE free time that I have.
Leon and Percival smiled at Merlin as he filled an empty seat at the Round Table. He shot a quick half-smile back. The time had come.
"Knights of Camelot," Gwen announced, "I have called this meeting to discuss an issue of the utmost importance. During his reign, Arthur strived for equality and freedom for all in Camelot. Progress unlike any than we have ever seen was achieved under his rule. Unfortunately, we have yet to achieve these ideals. And as royal advisor, Merlin would like to speak on this subject." She took her seat.
Shakily, Merlin rose to his feet. Sunlight poured in through the windows, a ray temporarily blinding him. Once he regained his vision, he saw the Knights of Camelot staring up at him eagerly, his palms sweaty, his heart racing. This was not going to be simple.
At least it will be easier than telling Arthur.
Arthur, to whom it didn't matter that he had magic. Had he not been taken before his time, had he known that Merlin and his kind had suffered from persecution, he would have wanted this. He would have wanted this. He wanted Merlin to always be himself. It was memories of his dear friend that gave him the courage to speak.
"My Lady," he inclined his head to her, briefly taking a moment to meet her eye, just for the slightest bit of support, "Knights of the Round Table, now begins a new age. An age where none will live in fear is about to dawn. In Arthur's time, he brought great changes to Camelot and we will honor those changes and uphold the ideals he held in such high esteem. I was with him when he passed."
The words stung his heart. Because of Kilgharrah's words of the great king's reincarnation, Merlin could still not fully accept that he was gone and believed with all his heart that Arthur would come striding into the Council Chambers.
He pressed on. "Upon his passing, he realized that the hand of friendship had not been extended to all." He took a deep breath. "For years, we have neglected those who have magic."
The knights threw each other uneasy glances and suspicious whispers.
Gwen raised a hand to signal silence. The knights obeyed. "Go on, Merlin."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Although magic is dangerous, when handled carefully it can save lives. Sir Leon, you would not be with us today were it not for the help of the Druids and the water you drank from the cup of life." Leon looked sheepishly down at his boots. "Gwen's life was saved by a sorceress who freed her from a malicious enchantment… and magic was used many times to save the life of our beloved King Arthur."
Ignoring the restless knights, Merlin pressed on. "From the day Arthur and I first met, the Great Dragon informed me that it was my destiny to protect him. More often than not…I had to use magic."
"Merlin…what are you saying?" Never had Leon looked so heartbroken.
"You have magic?" one of them whispered.
"I was born with it. Time and time again, I had to use my powers to save Arthur. Because of my dedication to the king, the Queen has come to the conclusion that not all magic is evil and that those who are born with it may practice it freely as they wish."
"But…Merlin…Your Majesty," one asked, "Was our stand against the witch Morgana at Camlann all but vain? We have fought against sorcery for years. I hardly think the words of one man will undo the world of evil that magic can do."
"In this new age, by the queen's side I will ensure that all magic that is practiced bring no harm upon Albion."
Some knights looked horrified. One particularly thickheaded one spoke out. "How can we trust him? He's kept it hidden all this time. How do we know he doesn't intend to turn a blind eye to sorcerers intended on bringing an end to the changes we've already made?"
Gwen jumped to her feet. "Sir Sagramor, Merlin is more devoted to the crown than you could ever understand! No one better understands the meaning of loyalty and selflessness!" The heat of her scorching gaze radiated around the table.
Mentally thanking the gods for Gwen's loyalty, another thought stirred in the back of his mind. How much does she actually know? But now was not the time.
"Your Majesty," he whispered gently, placing a hand on her arm. She returned to her chair and Merlin continued addressing the knights. "She speaks the truth. With magic on our side, we can achieve greatness."
"We have achieved greatness, thanks to you, Merlin." Sir Percival, much to Merlin's relief, understood.
Sagramor spoke out of turn again. "But how do we know we can trust all of them? Look at what they've done to us! They've killed our King! They don't deserve to walk free."
"My people do not deserve any less than you!" His words echoed throughout the Council Chambers. Never had he expressed his fury towards the persecution of his kind and he was sure to make sure these knights would never forget it. "For too long they have lived in fear, murdered for their talents, all because one man was not willing to pay the price!" For too long, Merlin had let his people suffer at the hands of the Pendragons. The fury of the dragonlord was about to be unleashed and there was no stopping it. "They have been hunted and persecuted because of something they can't control! For too long they have been slaughtered for no fault of their own! When Morgana seized Camelot she did the same to those who did not have magic. How do you think it feels? To have to hide who you truly are?"
Unfortunately for Sagramor, he did not know when to keep his mouth shut. He rose to his feet, fearful of Merlin's fury and clearly terrified of what he could do. "You see? We cannot trust him!"
"Sagramor…" Percival warned.
"All those years you were at Arthur's side. You not only perfected the art of witchcraft… but of deception. With all that practice under his belt, he must have been prepared for this moment for a long time: the moment when he allows magic to roam free and destroy this kingdom!"
He drew his sword and leapt onto the table but Merlin was too quick for him. Wordlessly, his eyes flashed gold as he held up his hands and Sagramor flew backwards and fell epically onto the floor.
Gwen and the knights stared in an awed silence at the one who was foolish enough to challenge a sorcerer as great as Merlin. It was in that those seated at the table realized Merlin's conviction to the protection of Arthur and Camelot. The Queen rose and Merlin took his seat.
"Thank you, Merlin. Arthur always thought he was a pain in the backside." She said aside to him.
"Don't mention it, will you?"
"As we begin our new age, who will stand with me as we lift the ban on sorcery?"
One by one, the knights stood, each giving a nod to Merlin, easing his guilt. In no time at all, everyone around Merlin was standing. He rose and took his place with them.