The clamour didn't seem to be coming to an end so Arthur raised his hand and silence soon filled and large clearing as the crowd all stained to hear what their King had to say. "Tomorrow, we go and gain Camelot back from the cruel clutches of Morgana Pendragon and free our home from my sister's oppression and with it we shall bring with us peace and prosperity for all," he paused, "but it has come to my attention, that under my father's and even my own rule, people have been living in fear of unfair persecution." He gave another pause, "I speak of magic," he let that sink in and heard many shocked murmurings from the crowd and Merlin made a small, choking noise and he began to speak once more, "I do not believe that everyone who wields magic is evil for, not only, can it be used for harm, I have seen it heal, protect and perform spectacles of such beauty that you cannot even begin to imagine until you see it. Therefore, I believe that I must declare magic legal."
The effect was instantaneous. Many cheered as a reason for both magical and non-magical people to fear was lifted, some dived into shocked conversations and some just stared, stunned. Though the tumult, Arthur heard a loud sniff from behind him but forced himself not to look round. He raised a hand to silence the crowd and continued, "It is only recently that I have opened my eyes from the help of what some would believe, myself included, an unlikely source. The man has shown himself to be more loyal than any of my knights, wiser than all of my confidants and far braver that any man I know, and yet he has never sought any reward of recognition for his great many deeds to me and Camelot. If he had used any other method he would have been rewarded beyond any of his wildest dreams, though, I doubt he wouldn't have accepted them. So, why is it that the fact that he used magic mean that he would be condemned to an execution? Without him I would still be the arrogant Prince I was years ago and so, it is for this reason that I ask, Merlin, to step forwards."
Murmured conversations started up again and became confused as the servant stumbled forwards, tears streaming down his face. Did the King need Merlin to fetch the sorcerer? All became clear when the servant stood before his King shaking with suppressed emotion. "Kneel," ordered Arthur, giving Merlin a discreet, reassuring smile. The young warlock slowly sunk to his knees eyes turned downwards with a slightly disbelieving expression on his face. "Merlin of Ealdor, will you serve and protect Camelot and her people when she is in her hour of need?" the King asked calmly. "I will," came the shaky reply, only just loud enough for the rest to hear. "Do you solemnly swear to uphold the laws and morals of this kingdom in all to the best of your ability in all of your judgements?" Arthur continued. "I solemnly swear so to do," answered Merlin, his voice growing firmer as he spoke. "Do you swear life and limb to the protection of this kingdom?" Arthur asked, fighting to keep his face stoic. A small smile curved Merlin's lips as he answered, "I, Merlin of Ealdor, son of Balinor and Hunith of Ealdor, last of the dragonlords, master over life and death, the personified form of magic itself, known to the druids in legend as Emrys, protector of the Once and Future King and the vanquisher of the High Priestess of the Old Religion, Nimueh and the sorcerer Cornelius Sigan do swear life, limb and magic to the protection of Camelot, her King and her people." Arthur had to fight to keep his face straight at those words, it seemed his friend had been busy. "Then it is my solemn duty to name you, Merlin of Ealdor," said Arthur gently tapping Excalibur to each of the young warlock's shoulders in turn, "Court Warlock of Camelot and Chief Advisor to the King. Rise."
For a moment, the young King didn't think Merlin would be able to force his shaking legs to take his weight, but, sure enough, the young warlock's stunned, wet face was level with his. The first time since he'd met him, Merlin looked truly lost and Arthur couldn't help himself, he drew the young warlock into a brotherly hug. The act shocked Merlin back to his senses but soon returned the hug. "Thank you," he whispered before they broke apart and turned to the crowd. It was only then that Merlin, noticed, they were clapping, some cheering and he could hear Gwaine whistling from somewhere. Some courtiers stood, spluttering indignantly and a few were eyeing him suspiciously but Merlin had eyes only for his King as realisation finally hit him. He was free. Merlin bit his lip in hesitation as he glanced at the crowd and then back to Arthur and with an approving nod of encouragement from his King he slowly extended his wings to relax them by his sides. A slight breeze flowed through his feathers, the very tips of which brushed the leaves and twigs of the forest floor and the gold flecks reflected the early morning sun to give an overall, stunning effect. There were gasps of awe and surprise and some of disgust but Merlin didn't care, he was free. The Golden Age of Albion had finally began to bloom.
