Author's notes: This chapter deals with the subject of returning magic to Camelot and what kind of position Merlin should have in this new Albion. Not everyone will welcome the return of magic, so the way ahead will be difficult and slower than Merlin and Arthur might like, but they will get there eventually. However, there will be a few shocks in the coming chapters.

Chapter Six

Dawn of a New Age

The remains of the food had been cleared away, but a jug of wine and six goblets had taken its place, when Sir Leon and Sir Percival answered The King's summons. They arrived together, and it was clear to the occupants already in the room that they had been having a discussion, perhaps one that hadn't been wholly agreeable. Percival looked fairly happy when he bowed to the royal couple, though Leon's expression was unreadable as he saluted.

"Welcome, Leon and Percival, please take a seat," Arthur said as he waved his knights over. "This isn't exactly the round table, but you must speak as freely here as you do when you take your places there. In fact, I'm eager to hear your ideas on how we change the autocratic and outdated laws on magic, and how we introduce Merlin to the court in his new role."

Percival lowered his large frame into a chair, leaving the end place for Leon, as he was the senior knight of Camelot. If Percival was not mistaken, Leon was about to make his position on Arthur's proposals clear.

"Are we to change all the laws on sorcery, Sire, because you've discovered your closest friend has magic?"

Arthur's eyebrows rose, and his blue eyes narrowed as he regarded his commander, who still stood at the foot of the table. "I'd be lying if I said that didn't have some bearing on my intentions. Knowing Merlin to be a good man, who has saved all our lives many times these past years, has made me question my suppositions about magic. If one honourable person can have magic and use it for the benefit of all, then don't you concede there are probably others out there, Leon?" Once more, Arthur placed his folded arms on the table and leaned towards his inflexible knight. "I was once told by an ancient sorceress at The Cauldron of Arianrhod that there is no evil in sorcery but in the hearts of men." For a brief second, Arthur's gaze flicked sideways to Merlin. "She asked me to remember that. I gave her a promise, but until recently, I haven't exactly considered the truth of her words. It seems to me that magic is like a sword, it can be used to attack, but it can also be used to defend... the difference lies in the hearts and minds of the people who wield it."

Now it was Leon's turn to lean on the table, staring at The King and those around him. "But you have to admit that there are evil sorcerers?" Leon asked, his voice harsher than anyone in that room had ever heard from him. "Your father knew that truth, and we have all suffered at the hands of Morgana, and before her Morgause. My father was killed by sorcery..."

"Sir Leon, please," Gaius interrupted, hoping to placate the troubled young man. "I found no evidence of enchantment involved in your father's death."

"You would say that," Leon ground out. "Merlin is like a son to you, and you've admitted to using sorcery yourself."

At those words, Arthur rose to his feet, every inch the imperious king. "Sir Leon, Gaius is my physician and councillor, and more importantly, a friend. Even my father valued his services. He is not on trial."

Leon's head bowed, but it was clear he was not to be persuaded. "I was very young when my father died, but my grandfather told me that he was recovering, yet suddenly he sickened and died." Leon's voice grew louder as he became more confident in his indictment. "He was in the care of a healer named Alice, if I remember correctly. A woman who returned to Camelot not too many years ago, and was arrested for practising dark sorcery. I still find it difficult to trust magic, and, I pray you, Arthur, not to undo all of Uther's work in making the kingdom a safe place for ordinary people."

At Leon's mention of Alice, Gaius and Merlin exchanged glances, but stayed silent. The example of Alice would not promote magic's cause, for she had been lured by a sinister monster; a good woman once, who had not been able to resist the draw of evil. It made little difference that she had repented in the end.

Meanwhile, Arthur still challenged Leon. "Then would you have me arrest and execute Merlin? The warlock who helped us fight off the Saxons, who tamed the dragon and killed Morgana, not to mention who just saved my life. Without Merlin, the peace of Camelot would have been destroyed and Morgana would rule here in my stead."

That stole the wind from Leon's sails for a moment or two. "No, of course I wouldn't want Merlin harmed. But what you say proves my point. Morgana was a witch and she was evil. Mordred was our friend, and yet he went to Morgana and fought by her side."

"Don't remind me of my shame, Sir Leon." Arthur swallowed hard. "I drove Mordred away. He was young and thought himself in love. If I'd only taken more time to listen to him, he would not have deserted us, of that I'm sure."

Always quick to defend her husband, Guinevere took his hand. "Arthur, we don't know that..."

"You're kind to excuse me, Guinevere, but I should have been more understanding," He raised her hand and placed a kiss on her palm. "Like you."

"If we're playing the blame game, I should take some responsibility for Morgana's descent into madness," Merlin admitted with a deal of sorrow. "She was terrified of Uther finding out about her powers. She was sure he would execute her."

"I would never have let that happen!" Arthur burst out, horrified at the thought of his father putting to death the girl he had grown up loving as a sister. Yet, if he were honest with himself, would he have been able to stop Uther? He'd been helpless when Guinevere had been sentenced to death.

Thank god for Dragoon... or Merlin, as he now realised, and with that thought followed another dreadful realisation. If Dragoon hadn't placed the first magic potion under his pillow, then it could only have been Morgana. Even then, she was plotting against her family and friends. Sorcery had corrupted Morgana, yet he could never hate her, only regret the circumstances that had driven them apart.

"You're not the only one who blames themselves for Morgana's fate. I should have been a shoulder for her to cry on, a confident," Gaius added, his old, faded eyes misting over. "Yet I had seen Uther turn against so many good people who couldn't help having magic. I chose to hide her gift even from herself, believing that would be best for her. I couldn't have been more wrong."

Guinevere, once more the voice of reason, spoke up. "Perhaps we all let Morgana down, but she did choose her own road in the end, and because of that choice, we suffered terribly at her hands. But talking of Morgana does nothing to solve this present impasse." Gwen searched the face of the knight she had known since childhood. "Leon, I think we all agree that there are good and bad sorcerers. You yourself were healed by the Druids, by magic. You cannot ignore that fact."

"Milady, the Druids are a peaceful people and I'm thankful for all they did for me," Leon confessed, with a slight tilt of his head to his queen. "But even among the Druids there are those who hate Camelot and may still attack us."

"Not if we make it known that sorcery will no longer be outside the law." Arthur was still trying to be persuasive, yet it was clear his patience was wearing thin. "I loved my father, and in some ways he was a good king who believed, without question, he was doing the best for the kingdom by wiping out magic. I admit, he thought he had good reason, but it was his intolerance and intractability which led to our war with The Old Religion. Camelot has suffered too much, those with magic and those without, and I will not let that state of affairs continue. I'm sorry Leon if you do not approve my plans, but my mind is made up."

"I won't be the only one who does not agree," Leon said, boldly, straightening his shoulders.

Arthur could not suppress a sigh. "Sadly, you're very likely correct, which is why I'd hoped for the support of my closest friends." He looked around his chambers, as once he had in a ruined castle, standing by an ancient round table, only that time he'd won unconditional backing from those gathered there.

Slowly, Merlin rose to stand by Arthur. "May I speak, Sire?"

"Merlin," Arthur replied somewhat exasperatedly. "I invited everyone to speak freely. In this room, you are the last person I expect platitudes from."

"Exactly," Merlin said, his lips curling at the edges, surprising a similar grin from Arthur. He turned to address the room. "As you all know, I have magic, and soon all of Camelot will learn that truth. I was born with it, and I have recently learned how to wield all my powers. I am the infamous Emrys the Druids talk about. I can no more turn my back on magic than I can stop breathing." Actually, there was more truth to that statement than people knew, but Merlin doubted explaining that fact would help this discussion. "I have and always will use my magic for the good of Arthur and Camelot. However, I cannot deny there are evil sorcerers out there, people who use their powers for their own selfish and greedy purposes. These people must be made to pay for any crimes they commit. But they must be charged for the crime and not for who they are, and the punishment must suit the crime."

"You mean I can't put you in the stocks for calling me a prat?" Arthur asked Merlin with another smirk, unable to resist lightening the atmosphere for a moment.

"Not if I call you a royal prat, besides it wouldn't be seemly for a councillor of Camelot to be a target for rotten vegetables."

"But, Merlin, you're not yet a councillor, and if Sir Leon and similar thinking nobles have their way, you never will be." Arthur sat down, looking dejected. "I'm The King, why can't I just command them to recognise you?"

At the end of the table, Sir Leon bridled. "I don't enjoy making your life difficult, Sire. I'm not disagreeing with you on a whim. You must understand that," Leon said, sounding more reasonable than he had at the start of this meeting. "In fact, I have no quarrel with Merlin and his sorcery. I've known him long enough to know he is trustworthy. I just don't believe we can allow those who have not won our trust free rein within our city."

"I think he might have a point, Arthur," Merlin admitted, uttering a sigh which echoed Arthur's. "Perhaps we are expecting too much of your people too soon."

"Too soon?" Arthur's voice rose an octave. "Merlin, you've been waiting for years to bring magic back to Camelot."

"So it won't hurt me to wait a little longer, if it means persuading the citizens rather than brow-beating them."

Taking a large slug of his wine, Arthur did not look pleased. "But that means we don't change the status-qua at all, and, I'm sorry, but I don't find that acceptable." He rose again and wandered over to the window, gazing down at the courtyard where the people were still going about the job of clearing up the aftermath of the battle. "Merlin, we didn't go through all that trauma to do nothing. Besides, we don't how much time I have left."

Arthur's last statement snapped Leon's head erect.

"Surely enough time to introduce these changes more gradually, and so reassure the people," Guinevere spoke again, as she moved to stand with her husband.

"Why are we talking about time? Is there something else I should know?" Leon asked with alarm, looking from the royal couple to Merlin, while Percival cleared his throat, loudly.

"Yes, Percival? Speak up." Arthur turned back to face those in the room and gestured encouragingly to the knight who was still sitting at the table. "Do you have similar objections to Sir Leon?"

"No, Sire. We already talked about this at the camp fire, and I still say I have no strong feelings one way or the other, though, in the case of Merlin, I think we and Camelot are fortunate to have him as a friend... and warlock." Percival paused, then spoke quickly to conceal his nervousness. "It is your cough which has me concerned. Are you better?"

"So, the problem of my health?" Arthur took hold of Guinevere's hand as if he needed her strength to broach this particular topic. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath, and continued. "I suppose we might as well talk about this too, since it is important, but be aware, this stays between the six of us. It would not do to allow our enemies, or even some of our less trustworthy friends to find out that The King of Camelot is dying."

There was a sharp intake of breath from the two knights, the loudest from Sir Leon.

"No, Sire. Do not say so," Leon almost wept. "You have been injured, and have undergone a tiring journey, you will recover."

"It seems not, Leon. Both my physicians are agreed." With that, Arthur glanced at Merlin and Gaius. "They do not know how long I have left, but it seems Mordred will be the death of me, after all."

Leon swung towards Merlin, pleading. "No, that can't be. Merlin, use your magic. Cure Arthur!"

An ironic laugh escaped Arthur's lips. "Don't you think that's rather hypocritical Leon? You condone the use of magic when you see fit?"

Still holding Arthur's hand, Guinevere placed her other reproachfully on her husband's shoulder. "Arthur, don't be so cruel. Leon is only worried about you... and, as he stated earlier, he trusts Merlin implicitly."

There was another silence in the room while the occupants paused to take note, until Guinevere suggested. "I think we should all sit down once more, and discuss these two subjects with cooler heads. I'm certain all of us hold Arthur's well being to be the greatest importance, both his health and his wishes. With that in mind, I'm sure we can come to a conclusion that will suit all of our opinions."

There were various nods and vague noises of assent as each one sat down, while Guinevere went round the table filling up the goblets, not as a servant, but as host to this privy council. When she finished, she went to sit next to Arthur once more.

"Firstly, I want to thank Merlin in public for bringing Arthur back to me and saving our army at Camlann. I propose a toast, to Merlin, or should that be Emrys?" she added with a smile to her warlock friend.

"To Merlin Emrys!"

Each man at the table, apart from the abashed man himself, raised his glass and drank, deeply. All feeling in need of a little fortification.

"Please, Emrys is a name used by those who do not know me. I have and always will be Merlin to my friends."

"To Merlin," Arthur called out. Once again they drank and, this time, Merlin joined in.

"Good. Now the formalities are over," Guinevere led the conversation, deeming that it took a woman to get to the heart of the matter. "Let us get down to business. No one knows the future, and I think I have read the situation correctly, if I say that Arthur could live for quite a long time, if he heeds his physicians, takes his medicine and allows Merlin to practise his holding spell over him from time to time. Is this correct?" Her soft brown eyes went from Merlin to Gaius, but there was steel beneath her gaze.

"That is so, Gwen," Merlin answered, though he was staring at Arthur. "As long as he isn't a dollop-head who thinks he can joust and join the melee, he could live for many years. Time enough to father and nurture heirs to Camelot."

Merlin's latter statement caused both King and Queen to cast a quick glance at each other. They obviously had some concerns over why they hadn't already conceived a child. It certainly wasn't for want of trying, but that was a private matter, and not to be discussed here, though perhaps with Gaius later. Arthur, for one, couldn't see him having that intimate conversation with Merlin, though, he had to admit he was seeing his servant in a completely different light, so perhaps he could talk to him. But Guinevere had put her personal problems aside and was still speaking.

"I think we can agree that concludes the subject of The King's health, for the moment. Though I would ask, gentlemen," and she directed her question to the knights at the end of the table, "that you keep an eye on my stubborn husband to make sure he doesn't sneak in some weapons training."

"Guinevere! I am not a child," Arthur said with just a tiny pout of his lips. "I understand what is required of me. I don't have to like it, but I do accept I have responsibilities to the realm."

"Good!" Guinevere offered him a soothing smile, and again covered his hand with her own. Since he'd arrived in Camelot the night before, she couldn't get enough of touching him, reassuring herself that his presence was real and not just a dream. "So, let us address the second topic, the question of the reintroduction of magic."

"Good!" Arthur echoed his wife, taking control once more. "This was what I brought you all here for in the first place. Sir Leon, can I recap? Your objections aren't to magic in general, but that you do not trust the people who practise magic?"

"That is my main fear," Leon agreed with a nod of his head, though he seemed less entrenched than earlier. "I would be afraid to legalise magic totally at this time, until we learn more about the people who use it."

Merlin too nodded. "That doesn't sound unreasonable, Arthur. If I'm honest, I have similar reservations. There could be allies of Morgana still out there, and you can't have forgotten The Disir. They placed The Triple Goddess's judgement on you, and I couldn't say with confidence they will be happy we thwarted their pronouncement of your doom. There are many facets of The Old Religion, and I can't speak for them all. Perhaps it is wise to be cautious."

"But I gave you my word, Merlin, by the shores of Avalon, and I will not go back on it." Arthur was looking stubborn again, but he suddenly showed a glimpse of the statesmanship he was learning. "However, I understand what you, Leon, and probably most of my councillors will believe, that we cannot open our borders to all sorcerers. Yet that doesn't mean we should do nothing."

Arthur would have liked to stand, but to be honest, he was beginning to tire. He fervently hoped this would not be how it was with him in the future, and made a note to ask Merlin and Gaius just what he could expect of himself. For the moment, he dropped his voice, but let it fill the room, a talent he had learned from his father.

"At the next council, we will decree that we are looking into the practises of magic, since we are now aware that not all sorcerers are evil. In fact, there are some whose services would be advantageous to the kingdom... Druid healers, for example. Merlin, can you contact the Druid leader we have had dealings with: the one who healed Sir Leon? He seems a peaceful and very learned man and perhaps can advise us on our future actions."

"I believe I could, Sire," Merlin answered with a happy smile.

"Merlin, stop siring me! You'll give me a relapse."

"Don't tempt me, Arthur," he replied with even a bigger grin. "I also know of another magician I would be happy to invite to Camelot, one who you all might recognise, though never knew he had magic. If we can gather a small group of trustworthy warlocks, we would be better placed to seek out those who have wicked intentions against us."

"Thank you, Merlin. I will leave that up to you." Arthur turned quickly to his foremost knight, who stood at the end of the table. "Would these conditions allay your anxieties, Leon? I would not be removing the laws immediately, but convening a committee to study the matter."

"That does seem more suitable, Sire, and I'm sure you will have a greater chance of getting such a decree past the wider council." Leon's answer was friendly. "I never meant to upset you, Arthur. You are my liege lord; I could never find better, nor wish to change you, but you asked for candour, and I could not help but express my concerns."

Arthur acquiesced with a slight tilt of his head. "And I appreciate your honesty, Leon. I am not my father. I believe in listening to other people's advice. I might not always take it, but I promise to consider it." He ended with one of his trademark, endearing smiles. "So we have a plan to put before the council regarding our stand on magic. I'll call a meeting of the full council... no make that a grand council, for the day after tomorrow, two hours after noon, that should give the outlying nobles time to assemble."

"Sire, a meeting of the grand council has not been held since your father outlawed sorcery," Gaius said with some surprise. "There might be many who have forgotten its purpose."

"But such a council is still lawful?" Arthur asked, since he'd only read about these meetings during his boyhood studies, when his father had insisted he learn all aspects of ruling. Though he'd much rather have been out learning sword-craft or jousting, he'd understood the importance, even at a young age. "Gaius, you must have been present at some of those?"

"Indeed, Sire," Gaius assured him. "But calling a grand council was always an unusual event, one your father considered necessary but once. Geoffrey of Monmouth will have the records in the archives, should you wish to read up on them."

"That should prove interesting bed time reading," Arthur said with a wry grin. There were other things he'd rather be doing in bed, but it was probably best he had some knowledge of procedure. "If my father held such a council to outlaw magic, then it seems fitting to call one to discuss reversing that decision. Sir Leon, if you would be so kind as to send out summonses.

Sir Leon bowed. He and the others made to leave, but Arthur held up his hand once more.

"Which leaves one more topic to still be addressed... Merlin's position." Everyone halted at the grave note in The King's voice. Could he be more displeased with Merlin than everyone supposed? "I'm sorry, Merlin, I know I said earlier that you were no longer my servant, but, upon reflection, I cannot abide the thought of breaking in a new one, or having George under my feet, continuously. You know how I like things, Merlin, so I need you to remain. However, you will not be asked to muck out my stables, polish my armour, or do the laundry. There are enough servants in the citadel to do those sundry tasks, but I'd much rather have you hanging around than any other, and I'm sure Gwen agrees." He quickly looked to his wife to see her smiling. "So, will you remain my servant, but also my special advisor and personal physician, alongside Gaius? You will also lead the committee on magic, if that suits you well?"

Merlin's grin split his face. "Indeed it does, Arthur. I'd miss you too."

"Are there any other objections to Merlin's new status?" Arthur once again searched his friends' expressions, but in this they were clearly all agreed, judging by their smiles and the way they were shaking Merlin's hand and patting him on the back.

"Oh, and Merlin, we really have to get you some grander clothes to suit your new job." Arthur's voice faded, as he slipped down heavily in his chair, his head tilted back and his eyelids closed, his lashes pale against his even paler skin.

Very quickly, Leon and Percival left, and Gaius, seeing Arthur was safe in Merlin's care, took his leave of his king.

The King's first privy council, since his return from the dead, had been concluded and with some success. Under the circumstances, Arthur was correct to be pleased, but oh, he felt weary. That worried him, and, if his eyes had been open, he would have noticed his wife and his special advisor were anxious too.

I am very grateful for the people who are now following my story and for those who have marked it as a favourite, but I would so love to get my numbers of reviews up. So if you are reading and there is something you would like to tell me, perhaps something you would like to see happening in the future, please let me know.