Dinas Emrys
Tristan was enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings as the morning patrol was making its way back to Camelot. The trip had been uneventful even though the king was with them – often a sure magnet for trouble of some kind. Tristan was certain that Merlin was equally grateful for that, not that he was going to ask even though Merlin was riding right next to him – especially as Merlin was still acting like something was about to happen. He wasn't going to jinx it to actually making something happen by expressing relief too soon. Not when Merlin was almost visibly relaxing the closer they got to Camelot. It was good to know that all was well and they didn't need to slay beasts or capture bandits but could actually get back home before noon. The king would probably have liked a little more action, just a beast to slay maybe, but even he seemed happy to be returning home. He had been riding with the patrol more lately and Tristan suspected it was because he wanted to let Gwen rest in peace in the mornings. Or he just dreaded the morning sickness that had started to plague the queen this past fortnight. Isolde had informed Tristan that Gwen was actually having it easy compared to most women, especially those who were pregnant for the first time, but Arthur still preferred to be away for that part. Though, apparently, Gwen was happy to see him go as well. Which sort of made sense; the few times he had got a hangover Tristan most definitely hadn't wanted Isolde around watching him puke his guts out.
Tristan's musings were interrupted when the patrol suddenly halted. 'Trouble' was the first thing that came to Tristan's mind but when he looked ahead all he could see was a lone man, probably a druid judging by his robes, standing on the road quite clearly waiting for them. That didn't mean there wasn't an ambush waiting as well, but everything looked peaceful and the birds were still singing so it was unlikely that there were men hiding in the few bushes that were near enough to offer cover. Arthur – who had been riding in the middle – urged his horse closer and Merlin immediately rode to his side. Tristan moved his horse a little to the side to a better advantage point, in case there really was trouble, and he saw the other knights on the patrol do the same. It had been over two weeks since the King's announcement and so far there had been no trouble, but then, this was the first Druid they had seen since they and their magic had been declared legal in Camelot.
At first there were no words exchanged which felt a bit odd especially as the Druid was staring at Merlin with some intensity – and the look was returned. Had Tristan believed in such things he would have thought they were talking to each other without words. Of course, they both had magic so maybe some kind of communication was going on between them, especially since the Druid seemed to end the conversation with a nod. Merlin spoke up then.
"Sire," Merlin turned to Arthur who had been watching him and the Druid with some interest and budding impatience as well. "This is Iseldir, one of the Druid Elders."
"Iseldir," Arthur nodded in a way that conveyed the sense that Iseldir was a high ranking visitor or a diplomat. "Welcome to Camelot."
"Sire," Iseldir responded with a small bow accepting the place Arthur was apparently giving him and in return acknowledging Arthur's higher rank as the King. "I thank you for your welcome and for the change in policy concerning magic that you have initiated."
"I had come to realise that my Father's laws were too harsh," Arthur said. "Though people can do great harm with Dark Magic that does not mean all magic must be eradicated - if it even could be eradicated."
"Magic is in the very fabric of life," Iseldir stated. "You can eradicate it only by eradicating all life."
"That I do not wish to do," Arthur assured him. While they had been talking Arthur had looked at Iseldir's face with interest now he asked: "We have met before…?"
"Yes, we have, Sire," Iseldir confirmed.
"I fear the occasion can't have been very auspicious," Arthur sighed with regret.
"Your Father was still the king," Iseldir verified. "You were acting under orders."
"For some things, that isn't much of an excuse," Arthur suggested.
"You were raised to believe in what your Father believed in," Iseldir asserted. "And even then you sometimes went against your upbringing to do what you believed was right. You cannot be judged by what was before, only by what you are and do now that the power is yours. The son of a King has authority and influence most other people don't usually have, but he also has less room to move or to use his own judgement because he is the one person who cannot be seen to go against the King if order is to be maintained. We have no quarrel with you."
"You are most generous," Arthur thanked Iseldir. "I assume you were waiting for us right now, is there anything I can do for you?"
"We have lived in exile for a number of years now," Iseldir said. "The laws of Camelot have not been the only source of danger to us; our magic has been coveted by many and they have not always been satisfied with our refusal to join them. I have come to You, King Arthur, to find out if Camelot can help us find safer places to live in."
"I see no reason why we couldn't come to agreement," Arthur responded. "Do you wish to come to Camelot with a delegation or have you been authorised to talk with me alone?"
"My people are happy to let me do the talking. At least for now," Iseldir smiled a little ruefully.
"Were you the only one brave enough to test if the King of Camelot meant what he said?" Arthur asked. "I know the past does not encourage trust."
"No, that wasn't it," Iseldir insisted. "We knew that my safety was guaranteed. But the people of Camelot have been told to fear magic for so long that we felt it was best not to test it too much right away."
Tristan noticed that when Iseldir said that his safety was guaranteed he looked at Merlin, and it appeared that Arthur had noticed it too, as he gave a very curious look to his servant. But the King said nothing. Tristan and the knights had eased back to their original formation now that it was clear that there wasn't going to be an ambush, though they still maintained normal vigilance. Or at least tried to; the meeting between the Druid and the King was quite interesting.
"I thank you for your consideration," Arthur said. "Though my proclamation was peacefully received, the feelings of my people have not yet been tested with actual magic. I hope all will be well, but my advisors all agree that it is best to give people time to adjust to changes."
"Usually a wise course," Iseldir agreed. "When there is time to do so."
"Indeed." Arthur confirmed. "But they will not get used to druids if we keep meeting in the forest. Are you willing to come with us to Camelot where we can properly discuss this or do you wish to set a different time for the meeting?"
"I am happy to proceed as you wish," Iseldir stated.
"Do you have a horse?" Arthur queried.
"Unfortunately, no," Iseldir confessed. "But I can walk. It is not that far."
"Merlin can ride with me," Tristan offered immediately. "My horse can easily carry us both to Camelot as we are this close already."
Merlin jumped off his horse without waiting for confirmation from Arthur and handed the reins to Iseldir who seemed to think of protesting but, after a look from Merlin, decided to accept the offer.
"Thank you," Iseldir accepted.
"Good idea Tristan," Arthur approved nodding his thanks to Merlin as well. "We get to Camelot faster this way and nobody will mistake you for a prisoner, Iseldir, when you ride in next to me."
Tristan helped Merlin climb up behind him and they proceeded to ride back home. As they were close to Camelot Arthur rode in front – as was his want anyway, but sometimes the Knights managed to convince him that it was safer for all if it wasn't so apparent that the King himself was riding with the patrol – with Iseldir at his side. The knights followed in formation and Tristan rode last with Merlin.
"I got the impression that you and Iseldir were communicating without words," Tristan said to Merlin in a low voice once it was clear that nobody was paying any attention to them.
"Not without words," Merlin responded. "We just don't need to say them out loud. I don't know how it works but the Druids have always talked to me like that. It was a bit unnerving at first, but you get used to it. Especially as it is quite handy sometimes."
"I can imagine," Tristan mused. "Especially when you have secrets to share. Which reminds me, do the Druids know that Arthur doesn't know yet? About your magic, I mean."
"Iseldir does," Merlin affirmed. "That was the first thing he checked with me before he spoke."
"I think Arthur figured out that something was going on between you two," Tristan warned him. "Especially when Iseldir said that somebody had guaranteed his safety."
"He didn't exactly say that," Merlin corrected. "But yes, I did notice Arthur figuring out that I had something to do with this meeting. I suspect that he thinks Iseldir contacted me, or I contacted him, to arrange this and that I had managed to convince him that Arthur can be trusted."
"Possible," Tristan accepted. "But I think he will still ask you so have an explanation at the ready."
"I'll try," Merlin promised. "Now see, we're almost at Camelot. You can let me down and I'll walk the rest of the way."
"No you won't," Tristan told him. "Arthur will expect you to be there to take his horse, and Iseldir's as well. Which reminds me, why was Iseldir so reluctant about taking your horse?"
"That might have something to do with me sort of out-ranking him," Merlin muttered.
"Out-ranking a Druid Elder? How?" Tristan asked surprised.
"I'm supposed to be the saviour of magic," Merlin muttered. "Arthur and I are supposed to reunite Albion and bring back magic. So I'm sort of a Very Important Person for the Old Religion. I don't really know if I believe it all, but the Druids take it seriously."
"Yes, I can see how that would affect their opinion of you," Tristan muttered as they rode into the courtyard. He made sure his horse halted right next to Arthur's so that Merlin could jump down and hurry over to take Arthur's reins.
"Iseldir," Arthur invited the Druid. "Come, let us go to the Council Room. I will call the council together and we will see what we can do to help you and your people."
Tristan, who had been assigned as Arthur's personal guard for the day, followed them as soon as a stable boy had taken his horse. Merlin wasn't far behind as he, too, had handed the horses to the stable hands. Merlin did like taking care of the horses but as he was – still unofficially – one of the most important advisers to the King, he didn't do it as often as he had when Arthur was just the Crowned Prince. Tristan noticed that as soon as they got inside, Merlin disappeared for a few moments and then he joined them in the Council Room a little later. His disappearance was soon explained as first some refreshments were brought in and then Gwen – followed by Isolde – joined Arthur and Iseldir. Isolde came over to Tristan while Arthur introduced Gwen to the Druid.
"What is going on?" Isolde asked quietly.
"Iseldir is one of the Druid Elders and he has come to ask Camelot's help for his people," Tristan explained. "Arthur wanted to have the talks here to show people that he really does trust the Druids."
"What kind of help?" Isolde wondered.
"Safer living conditions," Tristan stated. "Their commitment to peace and non-violence can be inconvenient when living in a forest."
Merlin had apparently sent out servants to gather the Council together as well, as gradually all the Council members started to arrive into the Council Room. They didn't go to the King and Queen and thus weren't introduced to Iseldir right away; they remained in groups talking with each other waiting for all to arrive and then be apprised of the need the King had for them. Gaius was the last to arrive, but he was the first who just walked up to Iseldir.
"Iseldir!" Gaius exclaimed. "Good to see you. It has been too long."
"Indeed it has, Gaius old friend," Iseldir smiled. "Over twenty years."
"I am sorry," Gaius said with sincerity but no explanation.
"No need," Iseldir stated. "You got a word to us in time. More than that would have jeopardised your own life and you had sworn to serve Camelot."
"Thank you," Gaius accepted though he still looked sad.
"I'm sorry?" Arthur inserted.
"My apologies, Sire," Gaius recalled his manners. "It just has been a long time."
"When your Father decided to extend his campaign on magic to include us," Iseldir explained calmly and without any accusation in his voice. "Gaius sent us word and we managed to leave Camelot in time. That didn't quite stop King Uther, but most of us survived."
"So you weren't as whole heartedly against magic as my Father assumed?" Arthur realised.
"I'm afraid not," Gaius admitted. "I was and am loyal to Camelot and you, but sometimes I went against the letter of the law because I felt neither justice nor Camelot were served by obeying it."
"I understand," Arthur sighed – he remembered the conversation he had had with Gaius after Gaius had been kidnapped by Morgana's hirelings. "But we must leave that for now. Iseldir wishes to find safer homes for his people and we are going to help him."
Arthur called the council meeting to order and explained the purpose of the meeting to the council. The members were surprised and at first didn't have anything to say but finally Gwen started the discussion.
"What we have to offer rather depends on what you want Iseldir," The Queen pondered. "If you don't mind living apart, the recent war left many empty houses in many of our villages and the villagers would welcome Druids and their skills with healing and growing plants. If you all want to stay together, then we have more of a problem."
"I don't want the Druids dispersed all over Camelot," Arthur inserted before Iseldir had time to respond. "You wanted our help because you are in danger from some people who want your magic. If you are separated, it will be easier to possibly kidnap you and protecting you will be difficult. I'd much rather have you all in the same place or at least close to each other and close to town."
"I agree," Iseldir stated. "So far we have been able to protect ourselves by being difficult to find, but that will change once we settle among or even near people again."
"What about King Vortigern's Fort?" Geoffrey the librarian voiced. "It is in disrepair but it is still a very sound building, easy to repair. It is within an easy distance from Camelot - a day's walk - it's near a main road which will mean that travellers and tradesmen would welcome the safe lodgings it could offer. If you station a small garrison there they can protect the Druids and all visitors."
"That actually sounds possible," Arthur accepted. "Could that work for you and your people Iseldir?"
"Are you talking about Dinas Emrys?" Iseldir asked very deliberately.
When Iseldir said the words Dinas Emrys, Tristan saw Merlin's eyes go wide. He also got the impression that Iseldir was resisting an urge to look at Merlin.
"Why is that fort having that effect on Merlin," Isolde whispered to Tristan.
"Don't know," Tristan replied quietly. "We need to ask him."
"Yes, Dinas Emrys," Arthur confirmed. "Though we usually call it Vortigern's Fort or Fort Ambrosius."
"Whatever the other names of that fort are," Iseldir was smiling. "We, the Druids, would be most happy to reside in and near Dinas Emrys."
"Good, that is decided then," Arthur concluded. "We will talk about the details tomorrow. Tonight, I hope you will agree to be my guest at dinner?"
"I would be honoured," Iseldir accepted.
The meeting was closed and all went back to their work – or whatever it was they were usually doing when the King didn't need them. Tristan and Isolde followed Arthur and Gwen and Merlin seemed to disappear. He probably knew that Tristan had questions and was avoiding him. Never mind, sooner or later he would have to hear them. Tristan wasn't giving up any time soon.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful so everyone in Camelot had plenty of time to discuss Iseldir's visit and request. Everybody had an opinion about Druids in general, about Iseldir himself (even and especially those who hadn't even laid eyes on him), about his request and the idea of giving Vortigern's Fort to the Druids to live in. Opinions varied and arguments were made both for and against the idea (and Druids in general), but almost all discussions ended with people agreeing that the King had to know what he was doing and if he trusted the Druids then the people were going to trust them too.
Iseldir knew that his arrival was creating all kinds of controversy but he also knew that people had to take their time to adjust to change so he didn't let the idea of being the centre of such attention faze him. He had been shown to a room, but he saw no reason to stay there like he was hiding and therefore he took Gaius up on his invitation and spent the rest of the day with the physician talking cures and infusions and even accompanying Gaius to couple of patients to consult. He would have liked having Merlin with them, but Merlin was busy with Arthur.
Later that evening, after the celebratory dinner, people were mingling with each other in the great hall. Usually Arthur arranged some kind of entertainment – minstrels, jugglers or acrobats, or on a very short notice a wrestling match or a sword fight – for celebratory dinners but this time he felt that it was more important to give the courtiers and knights a chance to talk with Iseldir - or at least to listen to him talking with others. It didn't seem that many were anxiously waiting the chance. Geoffrey did exchange a few words with Iseldir but as they had had a long conversation in Geoffrey's library earlier on Geoffrey didn't want to dominate Iseldur's time – he knew that his conversations could make people yawn when he got caught in one of his favourite subjects and that was not what the King ordered for this night.
Merlin was relieved of his duties and finally had time to spend with Iseldir though they couldn't really talk – not even just mentally as that would have been rude and could possibly have revealed at least part of Merlin's secrets since Gwen and Arthur were also with them and naturally Tristan and Isolde were near the Royal Couple and not all of them could miss a lengthy conversation no matter how silent it was. Tristan, of course, already knew – which made it almost a sure bet that so did Isolde, but their very knowledge might, in fact, be what could tip Arthur off. Arthur was still surprisingly blind when it came to people he trusted (right or wrong) but he wasn't stupid.
"I noticed that you seemed very pleased with the idea of moving to Vortigern's Fort," Gwen ventured. "And I mean not just because you were offered a permanent place to live in but something about this place in particular pleased you. Could you tell us why?"
"That we can make our homes at Dinas Emrys we see as a very good omen," Iseldir said. "Our prophesies and stories have spoken of him for so long; The Golden Age of Albion has been a long time coming and much hardship has been suffered. Now that there is not only hope, but a real chance that it will happen, we welcome all good signs that come our way with joy."
"Who has your stories spoken about?" Gwaine asked – not exactly rudely but a bit abruptly – as he joined Merlin (and, incidentally the King and Queen as well) bringing the rest of the Knights of the Round Table with him.
"Emrys," Iseldir replied simply. "Our most important prophesies have been about him."
"And who is this Emrys?" Elyan asked with interest.
"There really is no easy answer to that," Iseldir said. Tristan thought for a moment that he was evading the question, but apparently that wasn't the case as Iseldir went on: "You must understand that prophesies reveal only possible futures not certain ones. Nobody can predict a future completely because every moment every action changes it. Usually the prophesies do predict times of change correctly, but even so, there are often at least two paths that can be taken and though our prophesies tell about Emrys and the Golden Age of Albion, that is only the future we hope for. Other prophesies predict a great Age of Darkness – if events unfold differently."
"So how is this Emrys supposed to bring forth either of these possible futures?" Gwen wanted to know.
"Emrys is our hope for the Golden Age and a United Albion," Iseldir explained. "The Age of Darkness would not be of his doing… I think I need to give you the bare bones of the prophesies – to tell you all of them and all the interpretations that have been given to them, would take weeks. The Purge, though not by that name, was foretold over a century ago and even before that a time of great peril for Magic was predicted. Those prophesies also talked about great hope that would come to Albion when all seems lost."
"This Emrys," Gwaine inserted.
"Shut up, Gwaine," Tristan told him. "There is more to this story, I'm sure."
"Indeed there is," Iseldir confirmed. "But yes, Emrys was part of it. You see, Emrys is essential for the Golden Age but the one who truly brings it about is the Once and Future King. Though Emrys helps this king become all he can be as a King, a Knight and a man, neither of them can fulfil their destinies without the other. Together they will bring Magic back to its full potential and lead Albion to a new Age of peace and prosperity. And justice. Emrys is the most powerful wizard that has ever lived, or ever will and the Once and Future King will become the standard that all kings will be judged against for all times. The omens so far promise that Light will win, but the Darkness is not far away and will shadow both Emrys and his King closely all their lives. If things go wrong Darkness may win; in fact it is predicted that there will be a great battle that will, in time, bring the Golden Age to an end. And if Emrys dies, magic will die with him."
"If he dies?" Isolde had to ask. "But he must die, eventually, like all people. He is human, isn't he?"
"Yes, he is human," Iseldir nodded. "But he is also magic. He is the only human ever to have been born with it. Most humans, who have magic, are just born with the ability and though magic will sooner or later become part of them, they still need to learn it. Emrys is magic, it is as much part of him as it is of Unicorns, Dragons and life itself. If he dies, magic will die with him."
"But wouldn't that mean the end of life?" Arthur wondered. "Didn't you say that life itself is and depends on magic?"
"Yes, that is what we have learned," Iseldir affirmed. "But the prophesied end of Emrys is unclear. Our most learned minds have tried to understand the riddles, but the best explanation we have is that Emrys isn't going to die the conventional way but be absorbed by the Magic. Though some of our Elders think that he will somehow be allowed into Avalon without death. A few of the prophesies talk about a Lady of the Lake who is a gatekeeper to Avalon and has some connection with Emrys. The prophesies are somewhat confusing."
Again Tristan saw that Merlin had a curious reaction to something Iseldir had said. In fact, he was sure those two were conversing again – though just briefly.
"You speak of this Emrys in present tense," Percival suddenly joined the conversation – almost startling everybody. They were so used to his silent presence that when he spoke, no matter how soft his tones were, people were surprised. Especially when he asked something because usually it was Elyan who was the curious one.
"Yes I do," Iseldir answered.
"So are you saying that these prophesies about Emrys and Albion are happening now?" Elyan asked. "That this, our time, is the time they talk about?"
"Indeed," Iseldir confirmed. "I cannot truly find words to explain what it feels like to live in these times, to see at least part of the prophesies to come true and to be part, however small part in the arrival of the Golden Age. To be able to work with Emrys and the King and help the Light to win. I know there isn't much we can do as the burden is on them, but still. It is amazing."
"But who is the king?" Arthur wanted to know. "It has to be someone from the Five Kingdoms."
"The King will be known by his sword," Iseldir smiled. "Excalibur. It is said that its fame does not come from the sword but from the King who uses it, because the King will not pick it up without a good reason and he will set it down before justice becomes revenge. That is why, when the sword was bathed in Dragon's breath, the words 'pick me up' on one side and 'set me down' on the other appeared on the blade."
"But those are the words on your sword, Sire!" Leon exclaimed.
"But I'm…" Arthur was stunned.
"I did say that prophesies foretell only possible futures, not unavoidable ones," Iseldir said gently, understanding the sudden trepidation that was showing on Arthur's face. "You will be the King you want to be. But do remember: you can be a Great King."
"Haven't I always told you just that," Merlin muttered to Arthur. Isolde thought that she detected a small amount of glee in Merlin's voice.
Thank you Vuurvlieg, it was indeed a typo! Now corrected. And thank you everyone for reviews and reading this =)