Merlin

Episode 4.03: The Wicked Day Rewrite

The Spirits' Secrets

Chapter 6: King Arthur Pendragon

Gwen was walking towards Arthur's chambers. She had just now found out (from Gaius) that Seibara's spell had failed and that the King had died. She knew the pain that Arthur was probably going through now, having lost her own father in a similar way.

I can't watch him die… There's still so much I want to say to him… He cannot die. Arthur's voice was so broken, in such a dire need to save his father. Gwen remembered seeing him, standing at the bed post, staring so helplessly at Uther. 'Oh, Merlin,' she thought to herself. 'Where are you when we need you?'

Although Merlin with magic was still a new concept for Gwen to grasp, she kept wondering throughout the past couple of days if Uther would still be on his deathbed had Merlin lived…

Gwen was jolted out of her thoughts by the clamor at the end of the hall, near Arthur's chambers. There was a loud thumping, as if someone was knocking on a door ferociously.

"Seriously, Princess. You can't lock yourself in your chambers!" Gwaine's incredulous voice echoed across the hall.

"Sir Gwaine, I don't think you should – " Leon attempted to add in, only to be cut off by Seibara.

"I don't believe it. This is the strength of Camelot's great Prince? To roll himself into a little ball and shut himself up in his chambers?" Seibara increased the volume of her voice, as if she intended Arthur more than anyone else to hear what she had to say.

"Seibara, I implore you to watch yourself. Any man would react the same way if someone they love had died." Elyan's voice added to the conversation. Gwen picked up her pace, already foreseeing a fight.

"Yeah, well my boyfriend died too. You don't see me locked in a room," she said, a notch softer than the tone she initially spoke in. "Besides, I'm trying to get him out."

Lancelot sighed. "It's unbearable really. Arthur just lost someone he considers his own younger brother and merely weeks later, barely given enough time to recuperate, he loses his father. No, I don't think we should try to get him out. I think he's better off alone, at least for a while."

"And normally, I would agree with you," Leon said, just as softly. "But Camelot has lost her King, too. Arthur is needed right now. With his coronation tomorrow morning and the council nobles pressing for a meeting…" Leon's voice trailed off, just as Gwen came into view.

"What's going on here?" Gwen asked. The knights stood aside, as Seibara pointed towards the chamber doors.

"Your Prince locked himself in and isn't replying," she complained, as if she were a toddler talking to her mother. "And the knights are worried," she quickly added. Gwen smiled. Despite Seibara's harsh manner and head-strong personality, Gwen knew that if someone could gain the sorceress's loyalty, she would remain at their side for her entire life. And she also knew that the Seibara was worried for the Prince.

Gwen made her way to the chamber doors, softly knocking on the wooden surface. "Arthur? Arthur, please open the door. You're scaring us."

Gwaine swore in the background, and Gwen turned around to see watch the rogue knight. "Why didn't we come up with this idea sooner?" he asked, as his eyes brightened. When everyone gave him a questioning glance, he continued to talk. "We could have just asked Seibara to unlock the doors, and then we barge in and give Arthur a piece of our mind."

Seibara nodded, readily accepting the plan. Gwen shook her head. "No," she said, a hint of finality ringing through her voice. "Seibara unlocks the doors, and I go in to talk with Arthur. No one else."

The knights looked at her, ready to protest before Percival interrupted. "I agree with Lady Guinevere."

Seibara looked at the woman before her before slowly accepting her plan. She stretched her hand in front of the doors, whispering a single word in old tongue. The door clicked open, and the group stared at the ex-maidservant expectantly.

Gwen took a deep breath in and opened the door, gently closing it behind her as soon as she was in the chambers. The curtains were closed, blocking the sunset's extravagant colors from filtering in and illuminating the chamber.

"Arthur?" She called out gently, as she walked forwards. There was no reply. Only the sound of crackling fire at the hearth. Her feet tapped against the stone flooring as she made her way to Arthur's bed.

And sure enough, sitting on the floor with his back leaning against his bed, was Arthur Pendragon. Tears streamed down his face as his eyes gazed emptily into the open space before him. "Oh, Arthur," Gwen whispered as she wrapped her arms around the Prince, pulling the man towards her so that his head rested on her chest as she laid her chin on his golden hair.

And for a moment, the pair sat there like that, until Arthur broke the silence. "Agravaine killed my father, Gwen."

Gwen pushed back, surprised. She looked into the blue eyes, cupping her hands around his wet face. "What?" she asked, the shock still evident in her voice.

Arthur closed his eyes and let his head rest back onto the bed behind him. "First Morgana, and now Agravaine. Those that I trust most are betraying me, Gwen, and I'm failing to notice them until it's too late. Thousands of innocent lives, Merlin's life and now my father's life – all of them are lost because of my incapability." Gwen shook her head, ready to protest, but Arthur had more to say. "I'm not fit to be King, Gwen. If the past is anything to go by, I'm not fit to be King," he whispered dejectedly.

"No, Arthur." Gwen whispered back, her hand still placed on the prince's cheek. Arthur pushed himself forward and opened his eyes. "If you aren't fit to be King, Merlin, Uther, and countless others would not lay down their lives for you. They know. They know that you are going to be the greatest King Camelot has ever seen." She smiled reassuringly.

He shook his head sadly. "Their lives would have been spared if I hadn't been so incompetent." A lone tear slid out just as Gwen rested her forehead against his.

"Arthur," she whispered, as they both closed their eyes. "Don't you see? All of us want to protect you, because we know that you're a kind-hearted and brave King. You mourning the deaths of countless knights and mere servants proves that. Only you are capable of being King." She leaned forwards, closing the gap between the new King and herself and pressing her lips against Arthur's. She kissed him gently, wanting to convey in her simple gesture all of the faith that not only she had placed on him, but that which the entire Kingdom placed on Arthur Pendragon.

The curtains slid to the side marginally, allowing a few rays of sunlight to escape into the dark chambers. The golden rays fell on the pair as they separated. Arthur opened his eyes, and in lieu of the empty despair within those blue eyes, there now existed a rekindled flame of hope.


Night fell across Camelot, and the stars twinkled brightly in the sky. The people of Camelot stood in the courtyard, each holding a candle up to the skies as they mourned the death of their King. The candle flames twinkled on the ground, like a mirror to the night sky.

Within the castle, Uther Pendragon lay upon the dais at the center of a great room. Arthur walked in, and the doors were shut gently by Gaius and Gwen behind him. He took a deep breath in before making his way to his father.

There is so much I wanted to tell you, Father, Arthur thought to himself. He sighed, as he leaned forward, kissing his father on the forehead. But I think you knew most of it anyways. Tears slid down his face involuntarily, splashing onto the pale face. I will make you proud, Father. And if I am half the man you are, Camelot will see a bright golden age.

Arthur stood at the side, still gazing at the man in front of him. Not Uther Pendragon the tyrant, who had persecuted millions of sorcerers and magical creatures, nor Uther Pendragon the King of Camelot, who protected his kingdom and brought upon a short era of peace. No, the man that lay in front of him were neither of those.

Arthur gazed, proud and sad at Uther Pendragon, his father, who had fearlessly fought and died to protect his son.


Arthur sighed as he opened the doors, exiting the great room where his father rested. It was a new day, and he would be crowned King soon. Arthur still didn't believe that he was fit to be King, but he didn't want his father's and Merlin's sacrifice to be in vain…

Arthur halted instantly when his eyes fell at the sight before him.

Because right in front of him, spread on the steps and on the floor before the hall, were the Knights of the Round Table. Gwaine and Percival were sound asleep while Leon, Elyan and Lancelot anxiously waited for the Prince to return. Gwen and Seibara sat in a corner, also wide awake and silent.

Arthur stepped forwards, his mouth wide open, prompting everyone to scramble onto their feet. "Have you all been here all night?" he asked hoarsely. They all nodded in return.

Lancelot stepped forward hesitantly. "We know that if Merlin were alive, he would do the same for you. He wouldn't want you to feel alone."

"And we don't either," Gwen added, smiling softly.

Arthur felt tears prick the edges of his eyes again, and he quickly blinked them back. "You are all true friends," he whispered towards them. They all smiled. Arthur cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed at the show of emotion. "You must be hungry?"

"Starving!" Gwaine exclaimed from the back, prompting soft chuckles from everyone.

"Me too… Come on. We can have breakfast in my chambers," Arthur offered before all of them headed up the spiral staircase.


Uther Pendragon gazed at him inquisitively. "You there," He called out to the still gawking Merlin. "Boy, tell me where I am. This is not Camelot, I presume."

"Sire?" Merlin managed to choke out. Uther rolled his eyes just as he recognized who he was speaking to.

"You are Gaius's ward and Arthur's manservant, aren't you? Did you ever get that mental illness fixed?" He said, a hint of mirth hidden in his voice.

Merlin snapped out of his shock, as he glared at the King. "You're in the Spirit World, sire." He said politely as he possibly could.

Uther's eyes darkened instantly and he nodded slowly. The King turned around where he stood, taking in the mighty citadel before him, before his eyes fell upon the steps leading to an entrance. Merlin watched as Uther slowly made his way to the steps, before he sat down. Uther then turned towards him, and gestured with his hands to join him.

When Merlin hesitated, Uther started to talk. "Death has an interesting characteristic, boy. It does not care about status or rank. It snatches the young – " Uther pointed towards Merlin. " – as well as the old. Quite a demented form of equality, really."

Merlin smiled, stunned at the sudden philosophical speech that sprouted from Uther's mouth. He walked forwards and sat next to the King at the front steps, gazing at the hazy courtyard with the King.

"Merlin, right?" Uther asked. Merlin nodded. Uther cleared his throat before going on. "I must thank you, Merlin, for protecting Arthur." When Merlin failed to reply, Uther continued. "Arthur told me that you sacrificed your life so that he wouldn't have to step through the veil."

Merlin stayed quiet for a moment. So, Arthur had told his father (and the council, probably) that he took Arthur's place. Arthur probably also conveniently forgot to tell them that he had magic. Merlin smiled again. "It is my duty, sire."

Uther turned around to gaze at Merlin. "Very few servants think the way you do," Uther finally said, before he turned his gaze back to the empty courtyard. "When you first saved my son from Lady Helen's dagger, I knew you would be perfect for protecting my son. That was why I appointed you. I never understood how or why you did, but I knew you would. Something about you that I can't place my finger on…" Uther's voice trailed off.

Merlin didn't turn around, but his mind went back to the first day he had stepped into Camelot. But it seems Uther thought the same as Arthur.

Uther sighed. "I know that you have an unnatural bond with Arthur." Uther paused, thinking about whether it was a good idea to divulge this piece of information with the servant. "He seems to think of you as his younger brother. He was devastated by your death," he added softly.

Merlin hesitated before replying. "I am honored he thought of me that way." And in all honesty, he was. Merlin always thought of Arthur as an older brother (albeit one who needed a lot of protection), but he had never imagined Arthur had similar feelings for him. But here was Uther, stating so…

"Sire, if I may… how did you die?"

Uther gazed down at his hand. "Seems my skill with the sword is slightly rusty. I was killed right after I slew the assassin that tried to hurt Arthur. The foul creature drugged Arthur so he couldn't fight. The coward knew he stood no chance otherwise."

So it was an assassination attempt… "Is Arthur alright?"

Uther smiled gently at the servant. "Yes, Arthur is fine. Perhaps a little depressed, but he will be fine." Merlin nodded, relieved.

The duo sat in silence for a while. "I hope the commoners that Arthur knighted can protect him…" Uther said, his voice trailing off. "I know they are capable warriors, and they seem to have unwavering loyalty towards Arthur. I am afraid, however, that Arthur might have placed too much trust in them."

Merlin looked at the King, wondering whether to tell him or not. Why not? Merin thought to himself. No guards for Uther in the Spirit World. What's the most that can happen? "I intend to go back, sire. So I can continue to protect Arthur."

Uther turned around sharply. "Is that possible?" he asked suspiciously.

Merlin nodded slowly. "Only for me." Uther still stared at him in disbelief, and Merlin took in a deep breath. "I have magic, sire. And I use it to protect your son." Never had Merlin told anyone of his magic (they all found out quite accidentally) and the first person he reveals his secret willingly happens to be Uther Pendragon.

Uther paled visibly, as he clambered to his feet, turning to face the warlock apprehensively. "That isn't true…"

"But it is, sire. I've protected your son from Lady Helen, the sidhe, the questing beast, and countless other magical threats. And without me, Camelot will be in grave danger. I have to go back. And I will go back," Merlin stated calmly. Uther, on the other hand, turned white as a ghost.

For a moment, Uther stood still, fear evident in his eyes. And then he lurched forwards, grabbing the warlock by his neckerchief and hauling him to his feet. But still, Merlin remained unnaturally calm. "I will not allow you to do that. If I have to die a thousand times, so be it. I will not allow you to endanger my kingdom and my son," he hissed disdainfully.

Merlin's eyes fell to the floor. "You might die a thousand times sire, but I don't have that luxury. I am immortal, bound to your son by destiny. My role is to protect him, and I will do that until Arthur breathes his last." Uther's grip on the warlock loosened instantly, and he felt himself step back in fear.

"I cannot – "

"I didn't tell you this to ask for your permission. I just felt the need to let you know. I know you don't trust sorcerers and I know of the story behind Arthur's birth. I had hoped you would be the one to tell him that. And I had hoped that you would realize your mistake of how you blamed one woman's wrongdoing onto the entire magical population." Merlin felt his voice rising near the end. "You blamed Nimueh's mistakes on countless sorcerers and needlessly persecuted them. Because of your mistakes, Arthur is constantly under threats, and I am considered traitor by many of my kind."

Uther was still shaking his head. "I will not have you, sorcerer, return to Camelot! If I have to guard your soul forever, then I will do so!"

"I don't believe this!" Merlin bellowed towards the King. "Did you listen to anything I said?! Arthur knows of my magic, and even he knows that I'm no threat to Camelot, you paranoid despot – "

"Ooh, lookey here!" A squeal interrupted the pair. "Seems the Ex-King and the all-powerful Warlock are fighting!" Death materialized in front of the pair. The toddler smirked as she twirled around absentmindedly, her black gown flaring out underneath her.

"Who is she?" Uther asked as Merlin fought the urge to bang his head against the nearest stone wall.

"Death," Merlin and Death replied simultaneously. "And she's kind of annoying…" Merlin mumbled underneath his breath. Uther just stared wide-eyed.

"Really? You're calling me annoying when you're the one that barely understands anything I explain," Death asked indignantly. "And here I was, going to offer you two…" Her voice trailed off.

"What?" Uther questioned, unable to hold his curiosity for long.

Death turned around, smiling at the two men before him. "Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted to see Arthur Pendragon's coronation."


The trumpets call marked a new day, as the townsfolk rushed into the citadel, towards the Throne Room. Arthur's cloak billowed behind him, flowing like a crimson river, as he walked up the aisle. The knights and courtiers on either side of him bowed their heads respectfully as Arthur made his way to the altar.

Geoffery of Manmouth stood at the end, adorned in rich maroon robes. In his ancient hands, he gently grasped a golden crown. Arthur walked up to the historian, kneeling next the man.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs," Geoffery's voice boomed across the silent hall.

"I solemnly swear so to do." Arthur's voice was soft, yet it still carried across the entire hall.

"Will you, to your power, cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I will." Arthur vowed.

"Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot!" Geoffery gently placed the crown on Arthur's head.

Arthur stood up, turning around to gaze over the hall.

"Long live the King!" Agravaine shouted, initiating the entire room into the chant. Arthur smiled gently, as he watched his friends chant, loud and strong with the rest.

And yet, how was it that he could hear one voice stand out so much… the same familiar voice that would tease him, the same voice that belonged to the man he had considered his younger brother…?

Arthur's eyes fell at the center of the room. And standing at the center of the aisle was Merlin Emrys and Uther Pendragon. Uther's eyes glinted with noticeable pride as he gazed at his son.

Merlin, on the other hand, was just indescribable. He was practically beaming at the new King as his chants resounded across the hall.

Arthur blinked, surprised. And still Merlin and Uther stood in the center, smiling and nodding, as if confirming that they were really there. And then they disappeared, just as quickly, as the sunlight poured into the hall.

Arthur turned around, his eyes darting around for the two men.

But still… he could still hear that voice…

"Long live the King!"

A/N: Uther... Man, for the first time, I actually like Camelot's previous King. He was so much fun to write!

Well, that concludes 'Spirits' Secrets'! Stay tuned for the next episode. It will continue in the same post, as 'Merlin du Lac'! (It's kind of obvious what's going to happen here… but there will definitely be more adventure and probably some humor here too!)

I'm running out of ideas on getting you to review… so, I'll go for the plain old fashioned begging…

Review! Please! This is the last chapter of this fic, so if we can hit 40 reviews, I'll post the epilogue at 8:00 today!

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin. I'm just borrowing the characters. And writing my own story. Can anyone here the monotonous tone I'm using? 'Cause really, I'm bored of writing this disclaimer.