Author's Note: Sorry for the delay. There should be one last chapter left in this installment. This saga wasn't meant to be very long.
Edited August 21, 2013: Yikes, so many typos. My apologies. The auto-correct (or in my case incorrect) on my IPad is very inconvenient. I hope I found most of them.
In the Council room, Arthur was left feeling uncomfortably scrutinized by the Knights of Camelot, as well as his former manservant, a position he never thought he would find himself in. But here they were, in surroundings both familiar and not. Neither he nor the Knights present seem certain where to start, but he had at least hoped Merlin's talkative manner existed in this world.
"You must have questions," Arthur says without further delay.
"I'm sure they're thinking about what to say," adds Merlin's simple reply and Arthur had the instinctive need to clobber him over the head. Instead, he settled for raising his eyebrow.
"And what have you surmised?"
It was Sir Galahad that spoke, "The Druids refer to you as the Once and Future King, but Albion is not in danger, so why isn't... um... the other Merlin with you?"
"Pardon Sir Galahad, sire. He's been weaned on your legend since childhood. And he can be quite forthright when excited," Sir Leon explained.
"I do not!"
"Quit while your ahead, boy," chides Sir Bors.
Arthur fell in momentary speechlessness. He had expected suspicion, perhaps even the possibility that dark magic was at play, but he had not considered these Knights to be so... accommodating to such strange circumstances. This was going to take a little getting used to. "Where I come from is not so different from here, at least, I suspect there was a time where our lives ran a similar path."
Gauis leaned forward from his seat with eyes that sparkled interest. "An alternate world?"
Arthur nodded, falling back into familiar conversation, at least for himself. Earlier, he felt supremely unbalanced by the role reversal when speaking with Merlin, and that had been without an audience. Then and now coupled with seeing friends he thought he had lost and strangers that stared in reverence added to the overwhelming sensation he felt. "My Merl- what I mean is the Merlin of my world died during Morgana's siege against Camelot. Camlann never took place in my world, so the thought of my own death in this one is a little strange."
Gauis looked astounded by his words. "I've never considered that alternate worlds existed."
"To be perfectly honest, neither did I."
"Merlin dead. That's... I can't imagine."
The mere thought caught Sir Galahad off guard that it overrode his most recent jubilation at meeting King Arthur and sobered quickly by the serious of the situation.
"Do you intend of going to this… alternate world with the King, Merlin?" Percival asked.
Merlin made no immediate answer.
"So you've decided?" Another voice added.
Merlin finally replies.
"Yes."
Not to be outdone, the Queen who had remained quiet until now, adds, "And I've given him my blessing."
"When do we leave?"
A heavy silence fills the air and when Merlin did not elaborate, the Knight's erupted with varying degrees of concerns and disagreements.
"You can't be serious?"
"It's utterly mad!"
"Your Majesty, surely you won't allow them to go by themselves."
Merlin expected they would be against this choice, but with a single raised hand combined with eyes too mature for his age, everyone went silent.
Albeit grudgingly.
"Your concerns are both justified and noted, but the spell that brought King Arthur into this world has only enough power to carry two. It's why he came here alone."
"I'm not a King."
Everyone turned to Arthur with a look of surprise.
"What?" Spoke many.
Arthur composed himself valiantly and avoided shifting uncomfortably in the face of such continued scrutiny. He calmed quickly when Guinevere reached out and intertwined her hand with his own.
"I'm still technically the Crown Prince of Camelot, but Morgana and her forces invaded before my official coronation."
"And your father?" Gaius asked gently.
Arthur shook his head. "Executed a few weeks after he was forced to acknowledge that Morgana was his daughter."
A heavy silence engulfed the room.
When the moment passed, one Knight bravely broke the stillness.
"Looking back, many of us may not have liked his choices, and as I, a Knight in his army, are not without faults of our own. Nevertheless, he was your father and once my King, and for that, we are sorry."
Arthur looked to Sir Leon with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. He'd learned the hard way the truth of his late father's actions. Knowledge that nearly crippled his belief in himself and everything he was taught to believe. Time has served to ease his sorrows and shame for his father's genocidal atrocities as well as his part in it when he came of age. It was a hard lesson learned that his people were still paying for even after his sister usurped his birthright. He hoped that with Merlin by his side once again, as he always should have been, that they can in some way prevent further loss.
"I was young when you reigned here, Sire." Sir Galahad managed to find his voice again. "I had just come of age during the Battle of Camlann and my parents feared for my welfare if I were to join with so little experience. I would have liked to have served you as I have the Queen since I've been Knighted."
"Aye," others agreed.
Touched by their words and with nothing else to add, the only thing Arthur could adequately give was, "Thank you."
Beside him, Merlin looked around Camelot's Council of Knights and finally noted the empty seats. "Where's Tristan and the other Knights?"
"Bruin and Dunure are out on night patrol and Tristan is still with his protege within the Darkling Woods training. They're expected to return by first light tomorrow," answers Sir Leon.
"And the rest?"
"Drunk."
Merlin's head spun towards Leon incredulously.
Sir Leon looked appropriately sheepish. "Sorry, Merlin. You caught us in the middle of a celebration. Half our army are on holiday."
Merlin relaxed, smiled and then nodded, not feeling entirely put out. Arthur's arrival did occur during peaceful celebratory times. The Knights and soldiers worked hard all year long to keep the peace.
"Sire, are you alright?"
Arthur turned to Sir Percival's query, clearing his gaze. "My apologies, um... The Round Table has changed."
Merlin glanced towards the ringed Round Table, the heavily weighed circular table was exquisitely forged completely in iron, it's circumference stretching wider than its predecessor. An idea that signified permanence. In its center lies an ornate round fire pit that lightened the council room in its strong fiery glow. Before Merlin could make a reply, Sir Leon beat him to it.
"The Round Table you remember hangs in the throne room as a remembrance to you and our fallen comrades, sire. This room was renovated to act as the meeting place for the Queen and Camelot's High Knights and trusted Council members."
"Right." Arthur looked down and traced the engraved image of Excalibur's hilt with his hand while his actual sword rested beside it. He realized almost immediately that this seat belonged to him, and that no other, not even a future king, would sit on it. He felt undeniably humbled by the visage and what it represented.
"If I may," Sir Leon began, his voice slightly trembling, "How did Merlin die?"
Arthur looked up and his memories surged with the pain of it. Merlin of this world had been kind enough not to ask the details that unbeknownst to Arthur at the time, forked the path of Camelot's future as well as his own into a world he could barely recognize. He changed after that night, and he often wondered what could have happened if things were different. Finding himself in this world answered those unspoken questions and his heavy heart was both burdened and relieved with knowledge.
His friend's death plagued him even to this day, and the eyes of his people, both familiar and stranger, waited for his answer. Burying the tragic event had been his only means of staying strong, and so without further ado, only one word sufficed.
"Bravely."
The Knights said nothing but their emotions were keenly displayed on their faces, and more prominently in their eyes as they gazed between he and Merlin. Merlin himself said nothing, his very being showing as if his answer were of no consequence. When Arthur changed a look to his eyes, Arthur was beset with the most horrifying and awe-inspiring truth.
No matter which world they belonged to, Merlin is prepared to die for him.
Curbing the urge to punch him for being so selfless and loyal, Arthur steeled himself for what was to come and the remainder of the private meeting dealt with the minute details of Arthur and Merlin's journey. Many weighed in, giving their knowledge and experience willingly. Arthur was hard pressed not to notice how the whole of them would have liked to join them.
A part of him wished they could join him too.
When all was said done, Sir Leon stood from his seat and raised his goblet.
"Considering that the most noblest and brightest of us all is leaving us soon, by my leave, is there anything you need, Merlin?"
A lopsided grin appeared on his face. "Now that you've mentioned it..."
Arthur could not even fathom what it was that has Merlin looking so happy.
"I hardly even recognize myself," Arthur could not help but say aloud as he looked at himself in the mirror. "What is this made of? It's shockingly light."
"Like your sword, the metal is forged from Dragon's breath which is also interlaced with their scales. Our blacksmith worked all day on it."
"You commissioned this even when I was uncertain about our journey?"
"Even if you managed to cross back without me, I'd rather you were protected. From all that you've described, your life is anything but easy."
"I cannot believe the Great Dragon agreed to it."
It had actually been Aithusa who forged the metal, but Merlin hadn't considered it all too important to distinguish. Kilgharrah was getting on with age and has been enjoying his retirement.
"He survived then."
"He's one of the rare few Morgana truly fears. He doesn't always come to our aid, and I suspect that his Dragonlord forbids him. I don't blame the man, my father took everything from Lord Balinor. I know he tries though, but the past is not so easily forgotten, or forgiven."
A strange faraway look appeared on Merlin's features but Arthur kept himself from prying. He had learned over the years when not to push.
"You know him well then?"
"I cannot honestly claim that anyone truly knows him, perhaps having another Dragonlord will help our alliance." Shaking his thoughts of the stoic Dragonlord from his mind, Arthur assessed the magnificent armor he wore once more. "I feel as if I shouldn't go to battle with this on in case it gets marred."
Merlin looked at him with empathy. "I have my own as well. Leon didn't want me joining them into battle without means of physical protection after Gwen elevated me to Court Sorcerer, and so when he learned that the Druids of history were once amazing armorers, he immediately sought their commission."
Arthur looked at him funny. "From what I've been told, you're a powerful sorcerer, surely, wearing armor would be nothing but cumbersome for you." And he could not help the memory of Merlin's many failed attempts in sparring with him in full armor from crossing his mind.
Merlin shook his head, his own thoughts finding it strange to have a discussion about magic so casually with his King. "I don't always resort to magic. But even with it, I'm equally vulnerable to mistakes as any other Knight. Besides, the metal is blessed and the protective enchantments provide a good level of protection from anyone who tries direct magical assaults on you. I wield my magic very well, but even I don't have eyes at the back of my head."
Arthur stared at him in disbelief. "That is... Actually very useful." When the rest of Merlin's words began to sink in, "Battles?"
"In a King-less Kingdom with a young Princess as its only heir, we have our share of disagreements with foreigners. They tend to think twice when they realize that the Queen and Camelot will not take threats lightly, and along with our neighboring Allies, the battles are short lived. You should know that Elizabeth has become beloved to all. She's acknowledged more as the Princess of Albion more than the Princess of Camelot."
In truth, it won't be long before the land officially declares itself as Albion and Camelot would sit as the country's Capital Kingdom with Guinevere as it's first High Queen. The realm's around it would retain their standing but this time, they fell under a united banner. Honor. Strength. Peace. Unity.
Arthur frowned as he crossed his arms, looking positively protective of a child that he's grown to cherish in such a short time that he was unaware of the implications Merlin's words described.
"I'm sure the noble houses of all the realms are looking forward to the prospect of permanent alliance" scoffed Arthur.
Merlin failed miserably to withhold a chuckle. "As I told the Knights repeatedly, she is only six."
Arthur didn't look the least bit convinced. "Try telling that to the Council of Lords and the male heirs they're grooming."
"Now you're just overreacting."
"I am not."
They were interrupted suddenly by the presence of the Queen.
"Are you two arguing?"
"Guinevere, tell Merlin that Elizabeth is not to have suitors at least until she's thirty."
With an appropriately raised eyebrow, "She's only six."
"See, I told you," Merlin said with a shameless smug.
"Defiant, the lot of you," complained Arthur.
Guinevere smiled and slid her arm into Arthur's. "You look dashing in this armor." Arthur blushed at the compliment before she adds, "The courtyard has been cleared, the Knights are awaiting your arrival."
"Why?" questions Arthur curiously.
"Your favorite past time, Sire," replied Merlin. "Are you ready for battle?"
Swinging downward with his sword, Merlin sidestepped and parried the attack. Before him, Arthur stood stunned.
"I see someone finally manage to teach you the sword."
"Percival and Leon were adamant. And the Queen's support of it made it impossible to refuse the lessons."
"I am glad of it. Morgana's forces are strong and it would be a relief not to worry about your welfare in case your magic fails you."
Merlin nodded, catching his breath. "Still though, I think Sir Leon would prefer I took it more seriously. I use it mostly for self defense. Apparently, he wishes I put as much devotion to a sword as I do a bow."
"Never figured you for a bowman."
"Neither did I, until I learned to focus spells on the arrow."
Arthur's eyes widened and a look crossed his face Merlin had never seen before when it related to magic.
Excitement.
"Show me."
What else could Merlin do but oblige.
The darkness was slowly fading to bring forth the light in the early morning hours of Camelot's pending dawn as Arthur leaned against the window pane staring outward. Guinevere slept soundly in bed. It wasn't long when he felt her presence rise behind him.
"As much as my heart wishes I could stay, I fear I've lingered here long enough."
Guinevere embraced him from behind, wrapping her arms around him tightly as they looked over the Kingdom and the sun that was breaching the sky. He held one of her hands against his heart. Keeping it close.
"It's hard to believe that you are really here, my love. I feel your heart beating and I find it gives me great comfort."
"I am sorry for your loss," he says with heartfelt sympathy.
"I know. Time had helped heal it, and you've given me a beautiful daughter to remember you by."
"Life can be terribly unfair. To think of what could've been."
"We cannot keep looking back to the past."
He turned, his hand slowly raising it til it cupped her cheek, his thumb slowly wiping the first tear that fell from her eyes.
"You're a magnificent Queen, your husband would have been proud." He kisses her with all the passion he was capable of. "Thank you," he whispers.
The Knights of the Round table sat on their steeds in single file along Avalon's shoreline. After meeting and thanking every one of them personally, Arthur made sure to spend his final moments with Guinevere and the daughter he hoped to one day see again. If not in his lifetime, but maybe the next.
"Are you my father?"
Her voice had been so breathtakingly small that he almost lost all semblance of nobility and his reaction, taking her into his arms with whispered words of love that only a parent could give their child.
"You take care of your mother for me, okay?"
Princess Elizabeth nodded, her quiet sob and body quivered into his arms. "Will I see you again?"
This was too much, Arthur thought unfairly. To find each other only to lose each other again.
"I need you to be brave, my Princess. I'll always be with you." He pulled away slightly, pointing to her heart. "Because I'm in there, and because your apart of me."
She nodded, not truly understanding but believing his words nonetheless.
"One day, when your older, you'll understand. But it's okay to be sad right now. I love you, Elizabeth. And I am so happy to have met you." He pulled her in one more time, savoring and memorizing this moment forever.
Everyone around them, even those who were near them tried valiantly to give them privacy, but the vision of the Once King with their future Queen kept their wondrous eyes from straying.
"Knights! Salute!" Orders Sir Leon.
In quick response, the Knights honored their King and Warlock with raised swords. The vision of them was nothing less than magnificent.
"Long live the King!"
"LONG LIVE THE KING"
Near the water, Arthur's eyes watered but remained unshed as he nodded gratefully to Sir Leon. Willing his strength together, he looked to Merlin.
"It's not too late, you know. I wouldn't think any less of you if you were to turn back now."
"I have made my choice, and I stand by it."
"It's not like here. It's dark and filled with fear. Lands and cities torn apart. Family and friends lost. People do not hope for the future, they hope for tomorrow."
"I understand."
"Do you, Merlin? Because sometimes even I don't understand how it's come to this. I am not a King. I am not even a Prince anymore. I am not that Arthur."
"And I wouldn't presume you would think of me as that Merlin. It's true that we could fail, and that all of this was for naught. But I also see that no one here would blame you if you stayed and let the past six years become nothing but a bad dream. But that is not you, and that's what makes you the King that you were, the man that you are. It is why the Queen had the strength to let you go a second time. And it's why I serve you. The people here does not grieve your death, Arthur, they celebrate your life and all you gave for them. That is the King you will be when this is through."
"How can you see such light against all the odds against us?
"Even the Arthur I knew had little faith in himself and his leadership. All those battles and betrayals." Merlin shook those memories aside, not wanting to dwell on the dark moments. "But there comes a moment where you see your path and make your choice."
Merlin's words resonated and all Arthur could do was stare.
"This is how it should have been had we both lived," Arthur came to realize with acute clarity. "King and Warlock, side by side. Perhaps we could change our destinies this time around."
For the first time since dawn broke, Merlin smiled.
"You ready?" asks Arthur once more.
"As ready as you and I can be."
Arthur nods and pulled his legendary sword from its sheathe, the blade glowing as two different colored crystals he removed from his pouch began to emit a similar glow. In a flash of blind light, the Knights, Gauis, Queen and Princess shielded their eyes and when the light disappeared and all became normal, the place where King Arthur and the their Sorcerer were, no longer stood.
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