Chapter 8
Anticipation held everyone in the courtyard in a chokehold and silence reigned as the king came to his decision. Yet even as his emotions swirled about his head, Uther's face never shifted to show them. Finally, he moved to speak.
"Arthur, does this man have your trust?"
Though shocked at his father's question, Arthur's response was without hesitation. "I trust him completely, Father."
"Then he shall be spared." A sigh of relief was released by most of the crowd. "However, he will be closely monitored for a probationary period. If he commits any crime, magical or not, during this time he will be executed immediately and there will be consequences for everyone who has stood in support of him today. If he can survive the probation period, then perhaps we will rethink the severity of the bans on magic."
No one moved throughout the courtyard. Uther's verdict stunned everyone; not least of all were his son and the warlock. Not only had he spared a known sorcerer, but he had been open to changing the laws he had upheld for over twenty years. Once the shock wore off, however, a myriad of sounds rang through the air. Camelot's citizens put forth a mix of cheers and protests, but were mostly happy that the terror was potentially at the end. In the corner of the courtyard, an old man watched, visibly relieved, as the knights of the Round Table leapt up to congratulate Arthur and Merlin, the latter of which was still unmoving.
Merlin finally turned to Arthur, eyes glazed over with surprise and tears. In a quiet whisper he asked, "I'm free?"
Arthur smiled and wrapped his arm around his friend and replied, "Yes, Merlin. You are free. And now that we can stand side by side, who knows what the future will hold?"
Merlin grinned. "Knowing you, a whole lot of trouble that I'll have to save you from."
Arthur gave his faux shocked reply and their banter was lost amongst the celebration.
