Epilogue
As King Arthur announced his final reform of Uther's magic bans, Merlin watched from his side brimming with pride for his friend and joy for their joint accomplishments. In the years since Merlin's almost execution, much had changed in Camelot because of them.
Merlin probationary period had passed smoothly, even with the tense emotions filling people at the time. It had even ended early, when Merlin visibly used his magic to save Arthur at a tournament. Every enemy of Camelot seemed to think that tournaments were the best time to strike and this foe was no exception. Ironically, it wasn't a sorcerer who attacked Arthur, but a low ranking noble cousin who wanted claim the throne for himself by getting rid of the relatives before him in the line of succession. Afterwards, Uther had nearly given Merlin a heart attack when he congratulated him on his actions.
Uther's reforms on the magic bans were small, changing them so that a select few who were handpicked by Uther could practice magic. In the end, it was just Merlin and Gaius who benefited from this.
It was several years later, when Uther died and Arthur took his place on the throne, that the real changes began. Knowing he could just get rid of the bans entirely, Arthur worked gradually. Merlin was promoted to his Chief Advisor and Court Warlock, giving magic wielders a voice in court. He had meetings with his nobles and with monarchs of other kingdoms to help warm them up to his new stance on magic and announced just one reform a year.
Now, though, magic was fully returned to Camelot and it was clear that the kingdom was benefitting from it. Trade boomed, health increased and allies flocked to Camelot's side. It was the beginning of the kingdom Merlin had envisioned for years. It was a legendary kingdom for a legendary king.