Ch 10: Going Home
Merlin's heart jumped into his throat when he saw the Hunt. The company of huntsman split into two groups as they thundered around the cottage behind Arthur. If Arthur were to turn at this moment, Merlin would lose him forever.
Simultaneously, Merlin saw the head huntsman throw his spear as Arthur started to look around at the Hunt. Time froze for Merlin as he watched the scene. He had a split second to do magic to save either himself or Arthur. There was no choice for Merlin; it was Arthur. It would always be Arthur. His eyes flashed gold and Arthur's cloak went flying up to cover his head. Aithusa roared as she saw the spear coming straight towards Merlin.
He was ready. He had lived a very long time, he had been able to see Arthur again, and Arthur had accepted him as he was – magic and all. Merlin looked from Arthur back to the spear and braced himself for the impact. A black shape sprung in front of Merlin as the last moment. Merlin recognized the figure as the spear pierced her side.
"No!" Merlin screamed as Freya fell to the ground, gasping for breath as shifted back to her human shape, the spear still imbedded in her abdomen. The Hunt formed a circle around them, but Merlin could care less about the Hunt now.
Merlin rushed to her and held her as she trembled. He placed a trembling hand over the wound. Tears were forming in his eyes.
"Freya, no! I can't lose you again."
"Oh Merlin," Freya whispered weakly. "I was already lost. I saw the Hunt and with my curse the magic drew me in. My thoughts only returned when I saw you again."
"No," Merlin cried, shaking his head. He went to pull the spear out so he could heal the wound. Freya stopped him with a hand. Her breaths were short and quick, full of pain. She reached up a hand to cup his cheek. Merlin placed his hand on top of her hand.
"No time. I love you. Will take your place. See you again in Avalon. I'm glad – I'm glad that I – I got to save you... this time." She closed her eyes slowly.
"I love you too," Merlin choked. Freya smiled faintly as her soul left her body. "Freya! No…" Tears streamed down his face. "I just got you back."
Vaguely he remembered the Hunt as a voice pierced through his cloud of grief, solemnly stating, "An immortal soul has been claimed. The Hunt is fulfilled."
The wind picked up in a strong gust and Merlin looked up to find the Huntsmen all gone. Arthur lifted the cloak from over his head and saw Merlin on the ground with Freya lying in his arms. Arthur spun around but found them alone, the Hunt had completely disappeared. He looked back at the warlock and his heart broke for his friend. Merlin was the last person in the world who deserved this.
Arthur sedately walked over to stand next to Merlin and placed a hand on his shoulder. Merlin leaned into Arthur's hand as he hugged Freya closer to him. Merlin sobbed for the lost smiles and laughs, for the long gone hugs and kisses, for the unrepeatable moments of tenderness they had shared. He mourned that they had only ever had a total of two weeks together. He didn't know how he could love her so much in so little time, but once his love was given, it was eternal. Perhaps Merlin was responsible for Freya's immortality and her position as Lady of the Lake; perhaps it had been her curse. Merlin's chest ached. He had felt this way the first time she had passed away. To have her stolen from him twice was a cruel twist of fate. But he and fate had always been at odds with each other. The only time he had felt worse than this was when Arthur was taken from him too soon.
Merlin gathered Freya into his arms and rose to his feet, Arthur's hand still on his shoulder. No words were necessary between them. Merlin heard the rush of air as Aithusa quietly left, leaving Merlin to mourn in peace. They walked to the lake together, side-by-side. Merlin pulled out a small wooden rowboat from some brush on the side of the lake and laid Freya gently in the boat. "This is where I laid her to rest last time and this is how I'll bury her this time."
Arthur nodded and covered her in his red cloak. He helped Merlin gather ferns to set around her and placed a small bouquet in her hands. Together Arthur and Merlin pushed the boat off into the water. "Astyre. Waecce on saebát baelfýr maest." A magic induced breeze carried the boat into the middle of the lake. A small fire started and grew until flames engulfed the small boat.
Arthur remained silent as they watched the boat on the water burn because out loud he felt that any words would fall short. Arthur placed his arm around Merlin in support. Though he knew Freya for only a short period, the strength and goodness of her character showed through her words and actions.
Merlin let the tears run freely down his face, not bothering to hide them from Arthur. When the boat sank down into the depths of the lake, Merlin and Arthur turned together and to head back to the cottage, Arthur supporting Merlin with an arm.
Standing far back behind the two of them, but still a ways from the shore, were Leon, Percival, Lancelot and Gwaine, all solemnly watching the lake. Arthur wondered how long the knights had been there. Merlin looked at the knights and a tiny smile cracked his face. Arthur mentally sighed in relief, knowing that Merlin – while he wouldn't forget – would be able to move on from this.
Merlin gestured half-heartedly at the knights and they fell in behind Arthur and Merlin as they walked back to the house. Once inside, Merlin headed straight to his bedroom, without a word. Only a nod in answer to Arthur's unspoken question of whether Merlin was ok to be alone kept Arthur from following him.
Merlin spent the rest of the day alone in his room. At first he had mourned. Then he had paced around the room. Finally he started packing.
For the rest of the house, it was a quiet day. For much of the day, no one spoke much, each remembering Freya and contemplating how this would affect Merlin, who had lost so many. Around dinner, a small conversation started about the plans for returning to "New" Camelot.
They decided it was best to hide Merlin from everyone until they were into New Camelot and visited Gaius first. It wouldn't be good for everyone they knew to drop unconscious right after seeing Merlin with Arthur for the first time in this life. As if that wouldn't scream "sorcery" to everyone.
Arthur knew that they would have to be strategic about this, so he approached it with the same care he would a battle plan. Uther's revelation would have to come at some point when the King was alone, so that no one could see him collapse. When Uther woke up, Arthur had to be present just in case Uther remembered the Merlin had magic from his time as a ghost.
They would have to be very careful and avoid Merlin and Arthur being seen together until they had confronted everyone individually over a period of time. Arthur knew one thing for sure: this was going to be difficult.
The group finished brainstorming on plans and headed to bed. Arthur pulled out Merlin's old journal and continued to read for a few more hours before he turned in for the night.
The next morning, Arthur woke up on his own for the first time in days. Merlin had come in to wake him up every morning since they had been reunited. Mind racing at the possibilities why Merlin wouldn't wake him up had him out of bed in a second – ironically faster than if Merlin had actually come in to wake him.
He rushed out of his room to find the knights all still sleeping. Merlin's door was open and his room was empty. Arthur looked into the study to find it devoid of the warlock as well. The room had been cleaned too. The floor was almost spotless. Trying not to work himself into a panic, Arthur walked into the kitchen to find a fresh pot of porridge near the fire to keep it warm, but no Merlin. Arthur managed to keep calm until he was outside and noticed that Merlin's horse was missing from the paddock.
Racing back inside, Arthur yelled as his knights. "UP. Get up now!"
Leon jumped to his feet his hand going to his side before he realized in his half awake state that his sword was by the door. Gwaine snorted and rolled over to fall back asleep. Percival sat up calmly from his air mattress bed and looked at Arthur curiously. Lancelot didn't even twitch from his position on the sofa, but spoke into his pillow, "What's wrong Arthur?"
"Merlin's gone."
This statement got all the knights up in a hurry. Within fifteen minutes they were up and out the door on their horses to track down Merlin. The trail was easy to follow until they reached the road, where Arthur cursed paved roads when they realized they had no idea which way Merlin went. They split up Leon and Percival went one way to follow the road away from town. Arthur, Gwaine, and Lancelot headed towards town, with Lancelot ducking off to check the lake. Arthur and Gwaine were almost to town when they spotted the familiar raven-haired man coming towards them, driving a small wooden cart pulled by his horse.
Arthur exhaled in relief and trotted to Merlin.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked confusedly. "What are you doing out of bed so early?"
"I can wake up early!" Merlin gave him a dubious look. "I was coming into town to see if you needed help with… your shop."
Merlin let his raised eyebrows linger for a minute – just long enough to prod Arthur's temper – before saying, "You were worried about me."
Arthur scoffed, "Of course not! Why would I worry about you? I mean, you're a powerful warlock and all."
Merlin sent Arthur a knowing look and smiled goofily as he said, "Ah. So you weren't worried that I had left without telling you in a fit of depression and despair?" Arthur leaned over from his horse and swatted Merlin across the head
"Alright then," Merlin said, grinning to himself as he ducked away from another swing.
"Where all did you go then?" Arthur asked, riding alongside the cart heading back to the cottage.
"I figured we were going to head back to Camelot, so I had some business to take care of – added more inventory to my shop, hired someone to work in the shop while I'm away, bought this cart to move my stuff."
Arthur's eyes widened in amazement. "You're moving everything?"
"Well, no. But there are some things that I can't just leave unattended. Like a chest full of dark magical objects."
Gwaine, who had caught up with them now, snorted and said, "You think it's safer in Camelot?" Arthur glared at Gwaine, offended.
"No," Merlin said honestly, "But I'd rather it be near than far."
Arthur agreed with a nod, "Alright, we'll have to find a place for you to put all your things when we return."
"I think I'd prefer my things to be with me, Arthur," Merlin said dryly. "Where am I going to stay in Camelot?"
It was obvious that Arthur hadn't thought about this. His mind had reverted to his old memories, assuming that Merlin would stay with Gaius in the little side room of the physician's rooms. He mentally kicked himself. The castle wasn't even the same! He cleared his throat, "Um, I will give it some thought."
Gwaine laughed at Arthur being caught off guard.
"And you, Gwaine, will be put with the knights-in-training, because as of now, whether you want to or not, you are training to be my knight and I'm personally sponsoring you. Of course, knight code says you start out as a page."
Gwaine grimaced and muttered, "Should've known. Does this mean I have to do everything for you?"
"Nah," Arthur said, "That's what Merlin is for." Arthur started to laugh, but didn't find the situation quite so funny after he slid off his mounts sideways as the girth to his saddle became loose. Even Arthur's glare, after he had fixed his tack and caught back up, could not wipe the smirk off Merlin's face.
After everyone had reconvened and ate breakfast, the knights helped Merlin pack up the cart. Arthur surmised that even a person who had historically only owned no more than a few items that could fit into a backpack would be able to collect enough things that couldn't be left behind after 1500 years. Of course, most of the items were magical in nature and Merlin didn't want to leave them unattended. Arthur was slightly amused that he and the knights were going to have to sneak in all this magical stuff under his father's nose.
It really wasn't too much though. After packing the cart wasn't even half full. There were three trunks: one of dark magical items, one of magical items and chemistry glassware, and another of books. Arthur had to admit that considering how much stuff Merlin had in his house and shop, Merlin really wasn't taking much. Of course, he didn't let Merlin know this. Merlin placed a suitcase clothes onto the cart. "We finally have everything now?" Arthur asked pretending to be exasperated.
"Everything that I think will be useful in the future as far as saving you and Camelot? No. But I think we have most of it," Merlin said cheekily.
Arthur rolled his eyes. The knights covered the items in a canvas tarp and tied it down. Merlin went back inside to grab his cross-body traveling bag and filled it with a few last minute items. Arthur followed him into the study as Merlin checked that he had all that he wanted to take. Arthur picked up the red cloak from old Camelot and put it around his shoulders to replace his other one. Merlin rolled his eyes as he checked his desk drawers. "At least that one won't get dirty or rip," Merlin said.
"That's convenient," Arthur responded as he pretended not to be checking out how the cape looked in a wall mirror.
Merlin checked the last drawer and hesitantly picked up his old mp3 player. This one, the Ipod X, had been manufactured after the magic waves had first hit, so it charged with solar power, but that still didn't help it be able to actually power up while magic was in force. Arthur noticed Merlin holding it as if he wasn't sure what to do with it.
"You won't need that," Arthur remarked. "I don't think technology is coming back for a long time."
Merlin nodded, but didn't set it down. "I've tried to make technology work when magic was in force ever since the magic first came back," Merlin admitted. Arthur froze, realizing the enormity of this statement, but didn't say anything as Merlin continued, "There have been several times when I almost thought I had it – when for a second I believed that I could get it to power back on by using magic against the magic waves. It's failed so far, but in those times, I realized that it's not impossible."
Arthur's mind was racing at the implications of this. Merlin thought he could fix technology. Merlin could save them from this slide back into the dark ages. Magic might be the answer to everything. Perhaps, by condemning magic, Uther had condemned the kingdom to exist in darkness.
Merlin moved to set the mp3 player back on the desk. "Take it," Arthur said. Merlin looked up curiously at Arthur's statement. "I want you to take it. Experiment on it; get it working again. And let me know when you do."
Merlin nodded hesitantly and his hand changed direction and placed the mp3 player in his bag. Merlin placed a few other items in his bag before heading out of the cottage, Arthur behind him. Merlin securely locked the front door and then whispered several spells to prevent intruders, forced entry, and fires. Though he was choosing the make New Camelot his home now, he wanted a place to return to if anything were to happen that should force him or Arthur to leave.
Later that day down the road, Arthur was riding beside Merlin who was driving the cart. The knights had spaced out in front and behind them, giving Arthur and Merlin a bit of privacy to talk. They had been in a companionably silence for a while, but Arthur broke it and asked sincerely, "How are you doing Merlin?"
Merlin shook his head and replied honestly, "Not well. But I will be."
Arthur nodded, "I know you will. Whatever you need, Merlin, just ask. Please. You were always there for me: when Morgana betrayed me… when my father died… when I lost Camelot… when Guinevere…" Arthur fell silent as he remembered all the instances Merlin had supported him through terrible times. "Now, I'd like to help you, however I can."
Merlin bit his lip and smiled appreciatively at Arthur. A few more minutes of silence fell between them. "I started reading your journal," Arthur admitted.
"And?" Merlin asked.
"I can't thank you enough Merlin. I wouldn't have achieved anything – let alone live long enough to be King – if you had not been there as a guardian to Camelot and myself and an advisor to me. Much as I hate to admit that a clumsy fool like you was ever able to save the day, you did. And I'm grateful."
Merlin chuckled that Arthur's attempt to thank him had to include an insult as well. "Arthur," Merlin said soberly. "There are going to be things you read in that book that are going to make you angry – very angry. I want you to remember what you just told me when you read those parts."
Arthur nodded, slightly confused, but understanding what Merlin was implying. Arthur had to admit to himself that Merlin's statement had him slightly worried as to just what he didn't know that was going to make him angry. They continued in a comfortable silence, both enjoying that they had found each other once again, though there had already been awful consequences and they both knew that there were even more terrible events to come in their future.
The journey continued slowly, for they had to stay at the pace of the cart. Around noon the next day, they crested the hill to where Camelot came into view. True to plan, Lancelot and Leon rode on ahead to get Gaius and bring him back to them.
This was Merlin's first view of the new Camelot with his own eyes. He had seen plenty of shots of the city and castle through news programs on the telly back when magic and technology had each shared portions of the day equally. To see it in person, it was breathtaking. It was so similar to the old and yet different; still an awe-inspiring sight. A large, gray stone castle loomed upon a hill, and the city surrounding it was filled with modern brick and wooden houses and businesses. Nothing except the castle was taller than three stories, which made the castle on the hill stand out even more.
Arthur grinned as he watched Merlin take in the sight and said with amusement, "Welcome home to Camelot."
A/N: Alright, don't kill me for killing Freya, but you are free to brutally slander me in reviews. It killed me to write it, so I don't need to die any more. Not my fault somebody had to die – the Sidhe demanded it. :( Ok, it was my fault as the author. Sorry.
And I apologize that this chapter took me so long to post. I went home this week to visit my family on vacation. And nothing productive ever gets done when I'm home.
Now we can start all sorts of fun sneaking Merlin around Camelot.
Translation:
"Astyre. Waecce on saebát baelfýr maest."
Guide. I watch the funeral fire on the boat.