Thank you so much to those of you who have reviewed and favorited this story so far. :) I believe many of you have been looking forward to reading this chapter for quite some time and I do hope that you like it. Please be sure to leave your thoughts in that lovely box at the bottom. Thanks again for being wonderful!
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or Harry Potter
Chapter 09
They never made it back to Guinevere's campsite. Instead the rather large group found the nearest gully and hunkered down for the night. Morgana made a magical fire that didn't need any wood – something that made Arthur think of Merlin – and everyone settled down to exchange tales. After the revelation that they were from the future, Arthur wasn't the only one who demanded to hear the peculiar trio's story before any others were shared.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione had struck him as odd but he'd highly doubted they were from the future. He was, unfortunately, proved wrong when Hermione used magic to create a smoky image that depicted a world Arthur had never seen before. She showed them buildings that were taller than any castle in the world, metal birds that miraculously carted people across vast lands and oceans, carriages that moved at impossible speeds without horses on black roads, and people in clothing that exposed their bodies in what Arthur considered very inappropriate ways.
After she explained what each thing was and its purpose, Hermione then started showing them images of a castle she called Hogwarts. Apparently it was a place where magical children went to study. The place certainly seemed magical with the moving paintings, mobile staircases, floating candles, and enchanted ceilings. She also showed them some kind of sport called Quidditch which was played on broomsticks. Harry and Ron both explained the game in simple enough terms for Arthur and the others to understand and, while he was fascinated by all these revelations, Arthur was incredibly disturbed – especially when Hermione showed him an image of Merlin with a beard wearing a ridiculous outfit and a crown on his head. A crown!
According to them, Merlin was not only a king in the future but he'd been alive for hundreds of years. Arthur couldn't believe it. He knew Merlin was different, that he was supposed to be the greatest sorcerer to ever live – he'd complained about his destiny all the time – but never would Arthur have thought he couldn't die. Anger started coursing through him as Harry finished their story by stating that a tearful Merlin had asked them to fix the past since a man named Mordred had supposedly destroyed it and the future from how it was supposed to be.
"Merlin sent us here," Harry adamantly declared, "to find you, Arthur, and make sure you became the king you were meant to be."
Everyone turned to stare at Arthur, some in shock, others in awe. Arthur himself, however, was terrified. Shaking his head, he stood up. "I'm not a king, Harry."
"Yes, you are!" stated Morgana, coming to her feet. "I knew these three were from the future – I saw them in a vision – and they speak the truth. They're meant to help you reclaim your father's throne, Arthur, as are the rest of us."
"It's you," Guinevere gasped, staring at him with wide eyes. "You're the Once and Future King!"
Arthur shook his head. "I'm not!" he denied, anger coursing through him. "Look, I didn't come here to be told I have to reclaim a throne and rule a kingdom. I came to find Merlin who, if you must know, is that dragon you and Elyan were looking for, Guinevere. He can shape shift into a dragon but how he managed to fit into this gorge I'll never know. Maybe he shrunk his size – wouldn't surprise me since he's the greatest sorcerer to ever walk the earth – but it doesn't really matter. I'm here to find him and then go back to Alnwick. I'm not reclaiming a kingdom and I most certainly am not this destined King that everyone believes me to be!"
And without waiting to hear what any of them had to say, Arthur turned around and stormed off with no particular destination in mind. He just had to get away from it all. He didn't want to have to face the truth. He'd been successfully running from it for years and he wasn't about to let it catch up to him now!
He ended up walking out of the Valley without realizing it. It wasn't until he reached a particular clearing that he even became aware of his surroundings. And what a clearing it was!
The moon was now high in the sky, its glow illuminating the remarkable scene in a bluish hue. The trees were clustered in a circle, their shadows creating unique crisscross patterns in the dirt. The sound of a brook could be heard nearby, its steady flow falling over rocks and large sticks, generating a unique melody to the crickets' harmony. While this beautiful scene was indeed captivating, what had drawn Arthur's attention was the object sitting in the middle of it all: a sword.
A rounded stone, the bottom covered in moss, was the unusual cage for the sword that Arthur felt was the most beautifully crafted weapon in the world. How on earth it had become stuck in solid stone was beyond him but the blade was remarkable and seemed to draw him in. In a trance, he walked towards it, admiring the golden plating near the hilt sporting some language he didn't know. The hilt itself was brown with gold lacing, the blade made of a steel Arthur had never seen before. His hand reached towards it and a wave of powerful magic swept through him.
Arthur withdrew his hand at once, stumbling backward as if he'd been burned. His heart slammed with quick succession against his ribcage, his breathing haggard and deep like he'd just come up from the bottom of a lake. Tears fell down his cheeks against his will as he stared at the sword like it was a ghost. His legs shook violently before buckling, the blonde falling backwards and drawing his knees to his chest, holding himself as he tried to calm down. This feeling… he knew what it was…
"Leave me alone," he whimpered, his eyes shut tight. "I don't want this… I don't want this…"
But his memories of that fateful day were marching before him unbidden and Arthur helplessly succumbed – as he always did – when stumbling upon Merlin's magic…
Arthur glanced at his warlock. "Are you ready?"
"Are you?"
Arthur angrily scowled. "Now's not the time for cheek, Merlin. We have a job to do and I expect you to play your part. Now, let's move."
Normally Arthur wouldn't have been so sullen but he hadn't really been himself lately. He didn't even know who he was supposed to be anymore, truth be told – not after his birthday.
He'd turned twenty one two days ago and now that he was officially a man Sir Ector decided to tell him the truth about his heritage. To say that Arthur had been shocked would be an understatement. To say he was angry with Ector, Gaius, and his brothers for keeping this from him would be putting it mildly. And to say he was terrified of what they were asking him to do wouldn't be enough to describe the utter horror he was feeling.
He felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders and he couldn't even express his frustrations to the one person who understood him above all others – because Merlin could never know; it would destroy their relationship forever and that was something Arthur never wanted to lose.
Merlin couldn't know that he was related to Uther Pendragon, the man responsible for nearly wiping out the entire dragon race and executing countless sorcerers, ruling his people through fear and intimidation. And Arthur most certainly couldn't tell Ector and the others that he didn't want anything to do with being a king. It would crush the hope in their eyes and he wasn't about to be responsible for that. Arthur felt cornered and he didn't know what to do.
He'd heard stories of Uther from many travelers and though the king had been revered for his iron will, Arthur hated the fear in the eyes of every man and woman who spoke of him. He despised the idea of motivating people with fear yet his father apparently had been the master of it and this caused Arthur to worry. He knew he could be intimidating in his field of work but he made sure to show people his kindness because he didn't want them to be afraid of him. He wanted acceptance and love but what if he lost sight of that by seeking after his birthright? He didn't want power. He didn't want fame. He only wanted to do what is right. And while Sir Ector said the right thing for him to do would be to reclaim his crown and liberate his people from Bane's tyranny, was that really the course he should follow? Couldn't they understand that he didn't feel worthy of being a king?
Gaius may have given him an education but he doubted it was up to par with that of what a king's should be. He'd been trained as a swordsman and hunter but he didn't think he'd survive two seconds in a jousting tournament since he'd had very little training on how to ride a horse; he'd never needed to learn how to ride one what with simply riding Merlin long distances in his dragon form or walking wherever he needed to.
Besides, he hated nobles. They pranced around, abusing their power however they desired; and Ector wanted him to be one of them? Arthur became sick at the very thought of having to suffer through such affairs and politics. Having grown up a peasant, there was no way he could understand the ins and outs of court life. Ector would be throwing him to the wolves if he ever tried to claim the throne, let alone everyone else's as the Once and Future King!
Ah, now that was the root of Arthur's fears in taking his throne and the true reason why he didn't want to tell Merlin who he really was.
He knew he was the King his dear friend had been searching for. How? Because every time Merlin talked about the bond between him and his destined royal, Arthur would think of when they'd first met all those years ago: when he felt his soul stir as an unexplainable power pulled him towards the warlock's side.
The idea of uniting all the lands and ruling over them petrified Arthur more than anything else. He had absolutely no idea how to even accomplish such a feat let alone manage it after the fact. And it didn't help that every time Merlin spoke of the Once and Future King his expectations made Arthur believe he would never qualify for the job. He was terrified Merlin would be disappointed when finding out he was his King. Arthur was rubbish at matters of state and he didn't believe others would rally so readily behind him when they found out he'd been raised in a field with a couple of cows. Once and Future King? More like once and future laughingstock.
"Arthur? I know something's been bothering you... do you want to talk about it?"
"No, Merlin," Arthur harshly snapped while stopping to peer around the corner of a building. "I'm fine. Come on; we've got to move before they do."
Arthur's team (a group of thirty men including Merlin, Leon, and Kay) had been tracking a particular set of ruffians for almost a fortnight. The men had been hired by King Alined to traffic young girls for slavery and since Alnwick's river was perfect for smuggling, the traffickers had made it their business of kidnapping young lasses and taking them away upstream. After four disappearances, concerned parents – including those who had lost their daughters – came to Arthur for help. Due to Arthur's multiple connections and a little magic from Merlin, the two were able to find the traffickers hideout and formulate a plan.
Arthur had set the stage by dividing his men into four groups. Leon and Kay each manned one while a good friend of Merlin's, a sorcerer named Gilli, managed another, leaving Arthur and Merlin with the last. The plan was to have Merlin and Arthur's group storm the entrance while Leon, Kay, or Gilli's company would capture any of the thugs who managed to escape. Arthur was a little nervous because Sir Ector had stubbornly decided to be part of the main group. Though not as old as Gaius, the man was getting on in years and Arthur knew he was past his glory days as a knight. Even when Arthur tried to use his new found status as king Ector refused to be left behind. One of his dearest friends had lost a daughter to these men and he felt the need to personally take action.
"Right," Arthur muttered, turning to his men after surveying the old house, "there are two floors so the men could be divided. Reports tell me there are only six of them and since there are six of us this shouldn't be too hard. Don't get cocky, remember one well-aimed blow is all you need, and don't be afraid to cry for help if you're in trouble."
The others nodded and followed his lead, running towards the hideout.
"Merlin, send the signal!" Arthur commanded before using his foot to break down the door.
Merlin threw his hand up and sent a burst of blue flame into the air, high enough to clear the rooftops, alerting the other groups that they had made their move. Arthur was pleased to see that the men inside were completely unprepared to meet them, lounging about in the common room with their weapons idly at their sides. The blonde wasted no time plunging his sword into the nearest trafficker, the sod letting out a surprised groan before falling dead on the floor. By then the others had leapt to their feet and were engaging Arthur's men in battle. Arthur realized his reports were incorrect as about ten men were gathered in the room and more were coming down the stairs to join the fray. They were outnumbered in manpower but Arthur had a warlock on his side, the most powerful one in fact.
"Merlin!" he shouted.
The warlock didn't need further instruction. With eyes blazing gold, he flung his hands outward and the men surrounding Arthur were flung back into the wall, all four of them falling to the ground, dead. Arthur nodded his thanks and Merlin happily grinned but then a sorcerer shoved the warlock into the wall with a striking spell.
"Merlin!" Arthur cried in fear.
As he hastened to his side, Arthur was blown off his feet as a spell smacked him square in the chest. A moment later his body slammed into the wall and all the air left his lungs. Disoriented and bruised, he inwardly cursed. No one had told him one of the traffickers was a sorcerer! He would have had Merlin take the man out first if he'd known that! Growling over not getting enough information, Arthur pushed himself upward just as Ector fell at his side.
"Arthur, are you alright?"
"Fine," he groaned.
"Your head is bleeding," Ector pointed out with a frown.
"Nothing Gaius can't fix," Arthur murmured.
"NO!" someone shouted.
Arthur looked up to see Merlin leaping in front of a spell that had been heading straight towards them. Throwing up his hands, Merlin created a shield but Arthur watched in amazement as his warlock's feet began to slide backward from the sheer force of the enemy sorcerer's spell.
"Merlin?" he questioned.
"He's no ordinary sorcerer," Merlin said through gritted teeth. "He's a Catha, Arthur!"
"A Catha?" Arthur repeated, confused. "What's that?"
"They're some of the most powerful sorcerers in the five kingdoms," Ector answered since Merlin was busy concentrating on keeping his shield in place. "They specialize in torture and are not afraid to die for what they believe in."
"Great," Arthur grumbled. "But Merlin should be able to beat him."
"Not without causing mass destruction," the warlock snapped over his shoulder, his face dripping with sweat. "Do you have any idea how powerful this spell is that he's cast?"
"Magic isn't really my area of expertise," Arthur impatiently snapped back.
Merlin opened his mouth to retort but then his eyes widened as a horrible crack rent the air and his shield was destroyed. The house exploded from the released pressure around the Catha's spell, wood and stone flying every which way as the floor and roof above collapsed around them. The last thing Arthur saw before Merlin was buried in rubble was the warlock's eyes lighting up with gold. A blanket of protective magic wrapped around Arthur's body just as a chunk of the stone wall he was propped against fell on top of him and Ector. The rock shattered into harmless pebbles the moment it connected with Merlin's magic but Arthur watched in absolute horror as the rest of the wall mercilessly crushed Sir Ector to death.
Screaming, tears unbidden falling from his eyes, Arthur pushed himself up and started clearing the rubble away from Ector's broken body. The golden outline of Merlin's magic disappeared once the house stopped falling around them but Arthur hardly paid any attention to it. Having successfully removed Ector's body, he cradled the man to his chest, sobbing into his grey locks of hair. This was how Kay and Leon found him. Arthur looked up and spotted Merlin off to the side, despair and horror lining every inch of his youthful face.
"This is your fault!" Arthur shouted, handing Ector's body over to Kay. "You didn't save him! Why?"
"Arthur…" Merlin shook his head, tears filling his eyes.
Arthur scrambled to get to Merlin, stumbling over chunks of stone, fallen bodies, and pieces of broken furniture. Seizing the warlock's jacket, he shook him furiously, screaming in his face, "WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HIM?!"
"My magic reacted instinctively," Merlin tried to explain, his eyes wide with fear as Arthur towered over him. "I didn't mean for this to happen!"
"Your magic reacted instinctively?" Arthur repeated sourly. "You control your magic, Merlin! You learned to do so years ago! He was right next to me. Your magic could have saved him too so why didn't it? WHY?"
He shook the warlock again before shoving him backward, anger, horror, and despair motivating him to turn way from his friend. No, not friend; a friend wouldn't have let Ector die, not when they knew how much he meant to him.
"Your magic did this," he accused, glaring at Merlin.
"Arthur," Merlin tried again but the king held up his hand.
Staring directly into Merlin's eyes, he allowed his emotions to dictate his choice. With a voice as cold as ice, Arthur gave his warlock a command. "Get out of here, Merlin. I don't ever want to see you again."
The tears trailing down Merlin's dirty cheeks intensified. "W-What?" he gasped.
"You heard me," Arthur whispered, his body shaking with anger. "You and your magic are not welcome here anymore."
Merlin shook his head, his eyes pleading for Arthur to reconsider. "Arthur, please," he begged.
His heart twisting in anguish, Arthur screamed, "LEAVE ME ALONE, MERLIN!"
The warlock stumbled backward, his hand reaching up to clasp the fabric over his heart. Arthur's resolve began to crumble as he watched his warlock's eyes fill with indescribable pain but then his anger overruled his compassion. Merlin had killed Ector. That was unforgivable. Turning his back on Emrys, the other half of his coin, Arthur closed his eyes and cried. He heard Merlin stumble in his haste to leave the scene and opened his eyes just in time to see the warlock trip over a rock. A sob escaped Merlin's lips but he didn't turn around after regaining his footing. Instead he took off, running down the street until his form blended with the evening shadows.
The moment he disappeared from his sight, Arthur's heart shattered and his spirit broke.
Arthur opened his eyes, becoming reacquainted with where he was. The sword still gleamed in the pale moonlight, Merlin's magic freely swirling around it, invisible to his eye but not to his soul. Arthur wiped away his tears, trying to rid himself of that haunting memory. This had happened to him several times since that fateful day and it always occurred around a place where Merlin's magic still lingered. The warlock had set up several protective spells at both Gaius and Ector's houses – one reason why Arthur never stayed there anymore, adopting the Black Swan cellar as his home – and there were also a few places in the woods where he'd used an incredible amount of magic either protecting Arthur or just showing off what he could do. And regardless, without fail, whenever Arthur stumbled upon these places, he relived the memory.
How many times was he going to have to live through it? Wasn't experiencing it once torture enough?
Arthur sobbed, his shattered heart breaking through his fragile composure. What hurt the most was that Merlin had obeyed him for the first time in his life, leaving him alone just as he wished. But Arthur hadn't really wanted that at all. He'd been hurt, confused, and angry, shouting out things he didn't truly mean. He supposed part of it was also due to the pressure of learning who he really was and that only added to his current guilt because now five years had passed and Merlin still didn't know the truth.
Instead he had come to this Valley in a desperate search for his purpose in life, seeking his Once and Future King, and now he was missing because Arthur hadn't been honest with him all those years ago.
"This is my fault," he whispered aloud. "I'm so sorry, Merlin."
He looked up at the sword and froze for he was no longer alone.
Standing beside the stone was a woman with long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. Her pale skin put the glow of the moon to shame, an ethereal power radiating from her commanding yet gentle presence. She smiled sadly down at Arthur and silently bid him to rise. Arthur pushed himself to his feet, his tears still lingering on his reddened cheeks. The woman strode towards him, her white gown trailing softly against the fallen leaves. Arthur didn't even flinch as she raised her hand and rested it against his cheek. Warmth erupted from her touch and the king's raging emotions calmed within his heart.
"Arthur Pendragon," the woman murmured, her eyes searching his soul, "you carry a heavy burden."
She knew. He didn't know how she did but this woman knew everything and this realization doubled his tears as he closed his eyes and whispered, "Yes."
"There is only one way to remove it," the woman stated. "You must embrace it."
Moving to the side, she gestured to the sword and Arthur filled with fear.
"I don't feel I'm worthy," he confessed.
The woman smiled. "You are destined to be the greatest king this world has ever known, Arthur Pendragon. If it is a question of worthiness, pull the sword free and your doubts will be unfounded, for this blade can only be removed by the Once and Future King. Emrys placed it here specifically for him."
Arthur swallowed, his eyes transfixed on the sword. He didn't know the significance of the blade but he was somewhat touched that the warlock would give a sword to his King instead of some other useless trinket. Walking over to the stone, he raised his hand but hesitated.
"You must embrace it, young King," the woman whispered again beside him. "Become who you were meant to be. Only by so doing will Emrys be freed from the evil that plagues him."
Arthur's hand fell to his side. "You know where he is?"
The woman's eyes became sad and Arthur was struck by the amount of sorrow he found there; it was almost a reflection of his own anguish.
"Yes," she answered. "He dwells in a cave under the walls of your kingdom, his magic suppressed by an evil only you can remove."
Arthur looked on her with alarm. "He's in Camelot? Wait – was it Bane? Did he kidnap him?"
"Yes and the only way to restore Emrys to your side is to embrace who you are and listen to your friends that dwell in the Valley. Nobler men and women you will never find."
Arthur looked back down at the sword. By taking it up, he would be casting away his former life and embracing his birthright. Could he do it? Could he become the Once and Future King?
Not alone but with Merlin he could – and if this sword would help him get Merlin back, then he was willing to do what was required.
"Not for the glory or the power," he murmured aloud as his hand wrapped around the hilt, "but for Merlin and the kingdom we will build."
Pulling upward, the sword effortlessly slid out of the rock, the Old Religion singing with joy as Arthur accepted what he'd been running away from for so long. The comforting embrace of Merlin's magic flowed around him and Arthur felt a small part of their broken bond mend together. Hope filled him and he somehow knew that when he saw Merlin again their bond would be restored.
"Thank you," he said sincerely to the woman still standing by the stone.
She smiled. "Thank you, Arthur. It takes a great deal of courage to face your doubts and though they are not fully gone, you will conquer them all in time."
"Forgive me," Arthur said for the woman began to walk away, "You know my name but I do not know yours."
She grinned and her body began to fade away. "I am the Triple Goddess."
Arthur's jaw dropped but before he could say more, the goddess was gone. Flummoxed, he stared around at the clearing and then down at the sword. It truly was a beautiful blade. Sighing, Arthur slipped it against his hip under his belt and decided to make his way back to the others. He didn't know exactly where to start but he was sure of one thing. Now that he knew where Merlin was, he was going to do everything he could to rescue him. After all, he couldn't be the Once and Future King without Emrys – not that he would ever admit that to the idiot.
Smiling a little, Arthur walked away, leaving the round stone and his past behind.
[][][]
Harry sat at the edge of the gully's entrance, his eyes and ears straining for any sound that might be out of the ordinary. Shortly after Arthur had stormed off the others had decided to call it a night. Tensions were high and there was a lot of uncertainty within the group. Morgana had been so upset about Arthur leaving that she nearly chased after him but Gwaine calmed her down, suggesting to let things lie until the morning.
"He can't ignore his destiny," she stated before settling on the bedroll she'd conjured from thin air. "The world is doomed without him."
This morbid and cryptic murmur was left for everyone to ponder as they claimed a spot of ground to sleep on. Harry volunteered to keep watch and had been resting against a rather uncomfortable rock ever since.
Morgana's magical fire had dimmed to an ember glow when Harry's keen sense of hearing heard someone approaching from the north. Automatically going for his wand, Harry silently cursed himself when it wasn't there.
Oh, right; he'd put it away because he didn't need it here.
Holding his hand at the ready, his eyes were searching for any sudden sign of movement. He suspected it was Arthur but he wasn't about to let his guard down; years of experience and Auror training had taught him that much. Sure enough, Arthur's familiar golden head came into view, shining in the glow of the moon. His expression was grim, his eyes filled with contemplation, and his steps thoughtful. A light gust of wind blew through the gorge, ruffling the loose sleeves of Harry's tunic. The movement alerted the king to his surroundings and he looked up as his hand went for his sword. He relaxed, however, when he saw it was only Harry.
"What are you doing?" he asked curiously.
Harry shrugged. "Keeping watch."
"Oh," Arthur muttered, peering into the gully to see their sleeping companions. "I hadn't realized I'd been gone so long."
It was then that Harry noticed Excalibur. His eyes widened. "Is that…?"
Arthur glanced at the sword and up at Harry. "Let me guess, you know this sword from where you come from? Does Merlin have it?"
Harry shook his head. "He doesn't have it on his person but it's in his kingdom – stuck in a rock."
Arthur snorted. "That idiot should know that a rock is no place to keep a sword."
"It is if that sword can only be pulled from the stone by you," Harry pointed out.
Arthur considered this a moment before sighing. Removing the sword from his side, he sat down opposite Harry and stared at it in his hands. "I found it just now," he confessed. "It's supposed to symbolize my destiny."
Harry noted the bitterness in Arthur's tone along with his doubt. This was a new side to the king he'd never seen before; sure, he'd witnessed Arthur depressed or upset but never had he seen him this lost. He looked like he didn't have a clue what to do.
"Merlin once told me that destinies are troublesome things," Harry began, feeling the need to console him, "That you feel like you have no control over anything and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny has decided is really the best thing at all."
Arthur looked up, a sad smile on his face. "Merlin said that?"
Harry grinned. "Yeah, he did. He has the hardest destiny out of all of us, in my opinion, but mine certainly wasn't easy."
Arthur's eyebrows rose. "You had one?"
Harry grew sheepish, rubbing the back of his head while unable to look Arthur in the eye. "Well, yeah. It wasn't at all what I wanted at first but, now that it's over, I wouldn't change it for the world."
"Can you tell me about it?"
Harry looked up, surprised. He could see that Arthur was searching for something in that question. Reassurance, perhaps? Or maybe it was a need to know that things really did work out for those who had heavy burdens thrust upon them. Whatever the reason, Harry found himself indulging his request. He mostly focused on the facts of his and Voldemort's history but he did allow Arthur to hear some of the emotional struggles he endured through the whole ordeal – omitting the parts played by Merlin and the knights, of course. By the time he'd finished, his throat was raw and his eyes were heavy but when he looked at Arthur he could see that something within the destined king had changed.
"You are a remarkable man, Harry Potter," he murmured, further surprising the wizard. Arthur smiled. "Don't look so shocked; you accepted your fate, conquered impossible odds, and relied on friendship and love to accomplish your destiny. I think I have a little better of an understanding of what I need to do now – though it's not going to be easy."
He looked over at the others and murmured, "If there's one thing I've learned from Merlin it is that when certain things occur, it is for a reason. All of us came to this Valley for different reasons but the initial purpose is the same. It would appear as if these are the people who are to help me become the King I'm supposed to be."
"Not that I speak for the others but I would follow you, Arthur," Harry voiced, feeling it important for the king to know he had at least some failsafe support; heaven knows it helped him knowing that his friends were there no matter what.
"Thank you, Harry, though I fear I may disappoint you," Arthur sighed.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because I have no idea how to be a king," he confessed. "I grew up with the cows in a field, not in a palace made of stone! Kings are trained to become leaders from birth. Me, I was trained how to be a part time hunter and swordsman while being a full time farmer. I've toiled in fields all my life. What kind of king knows more about the ways of peasantry than nobility?"
"A king who will bring about the uniting of the kingdoms," Harry answered, feeling that Merlin himself couldn't have responded better.
Arthur stared. "You really have been hanging around Merlin too much; that cheeky idiot would have said the same thing."
Harry grinned and Arthur rolled his eyes. "Alright, yes, I know you believe in me. Forgive me if it takes me longer to believe in myself."
Harry didn't mean to pry but he couldn't help himself. "So, does this mean that you're going to become the King?"
Arthur sighed and solemnly nodded. "I'm going to try," he murmured. "I owe Merlin that much."
Harry sat back, satisfied. "I think you'll find that you're better at being a king than you realize."
Arthur quietly scoffed though he softly whispered, "We'll see."
He then ended the conversation by standing, suggesting that Harry switch with someone since they only had a couple of hours before the sun would rise. Realizing that the sky was indeed beginning to lighten, Harry woke Elyan who had volunteered next watch before crawling onto a bedroll Hermione had laid out for him. He would have liked to lay there thinking about all Arthur had revealed concerning his life in this bizarre timeline but he was too exhausted to keep his eyes open. The moment he'd removed his glasses, his lids shut of their own accord and he drifted off to sleep.
[][][]
Harry woke to Ron gently shaking his shoulder. "Sorry mate," he muttered, "but if you want any breakfast, you'd best get up."
Harry groaned, feeling around for his glasses before sitting up, his hair flying in all directions. After stretching and feeling his shoulders lightly pop, he pulled his tunic down and observed his surroundings. The camp was as silent as the grave, the tension from the night before back in full force. Arthur sat close to Leon, ignoring Morgana's silent stare while Gwen, Hermione, Freya, and the knights picked at the dried pieces of meat Ron now handed to him.
"Cheers," Harry murmured, accepting the food and using his teeth to cut through the rough texture.
"Now that Harry is finally awake," said Morgana, breaking the silence, "will you answer my question?"
Arthur smirked a little and Harry noticed the usual mischief the king displayed when he and Merlin were planning on being difficult. At least that hasn't changed, he inwardly grinned.
"And what question would that be?" Arthur asked, "Since you seemed to have quite a few of them when you so rudely woke me this morning with your screeching."
"I wasn't screeching!" Morgana snapped, frustrated. "I was surprised to see you back – and with a magical sword no less! I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders where you got such a thing."
"Though we didn't know it was magical, we are curious, sire," Leon admitted.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "How many times have I told you, Leon; don't call me that."
"What's the matter, princess? Afraid to accept your birthright?" Gwaine teased.
Arthur mouthed the word 'princess' with a look of shock and displeasure. "What did you just call me?" he demanded.
"Gwaine, not helping," Percival warned.
The rogue flipped his hair out of his face without fear. "What? I'm genuinely curious. You say you're the Once and Future King –"
"To be clear," Arthur interrupted, glaring at him, "I didn't make any such claim. In fact, I denied it."
"You say deny," Gwen hesitantly began and Arthur turned a much gentler gaze on her. The woman's cheeks darkened as she looked at her hands and muttered, "Does that mean it is true but you're refusing to acknowledge it?"
"Yes, why are you running away?" Morgana taunted. "I would have expected Camelot's true king to be courageous but all I see before me is a coward."
Arthur leapt to his feet, his face filled with anger. Harry winced and leaned backward, ready for the explosion that was about to come. And come it did.
"You think I wanted this?!" Arthur bellowed, surprising the others as he continued to rage, "To live my whole life believing I wasn't anything special only to learn when I turned twenty one that my father was Uther Pendragon" – he bitterly spat the name – "a man who murdered hundreds of people, nearly caused the extinction of the dragons, and stirred up discord in every kingdom across these lands? A man whose name still strikes fear in the eyes of innocent men, women, and children?! Why on earth would I want to associate myself with such cruelty? And why would I want to be the Once and Future King when I don't even know how to rule a single kingdom?
"I grew up with cows, pigs, and peasants! I don't understand the logistics of court! I don't know what is acceptable and what is not! I can't fathom commanding men that have survived sieges and fought in wars when all I've done is settle a few tavern brawls and stopped a few slave traffickers. How can I ask kings and queens who have been ruling their entire lives to step down and allow me, a man who is a commoner in all but birth, to take over their kingdoms as my own? How can I command armies to do my bidding when the men that make up those legions have seen combat the likes of which I never have?
"And how can I ask Emrys to do my bidding when I have betrayed him, rejected him and his magic, and forced him to come to this forsaken place in an ignorant search for me? How can I even face him, knowing that I've been lying to him for years, keeping the truth from him? Sure, banishing him from my side made it easier but the guilt is still there. It's been eating at me for five long years and now, when I've finally come to the decision to stop running, my warlock is kidnapped by Bane and his magic is chained!
"That's right," he cried when seeing the shocked looks on their faces, "I know what happened to Merlin! The Triple Goddess came to me last night and told me. She said that in order to free him I need that sword" – he pointed to Excalibur – "and I need to accept the destiny I've been running from for five horrible years. So no, Morgana, I'm not courageous. I'm not the man you were expecting or hoping to lead this country into a new age. But I am a man who desperately needs to do the right thing so I am asking you to help me become the King I'm supposed to be so that I can free Merlin. I care not for the riches, for the glory, or for the crown. I just want my warlock back."
Arthur looked so lost and broken. It was heart wrenching. His eyes were on his feet, his hands balled into fists as he tried and failed to keep his emotions in control. His body shook and his tears fell down his cheeks when he looked back up at the group. Harry had rarely seen the king display such open emotion. Like Albus Dumbledore, Arthur had become someone Harry looked up to and respected over the years so it was painful to watch him fall so utterly and completely apart. Glancing at Ron and Hermione, he could tell they were having similar feelings.
"None of you can know what it feels like," Arthur whispered into the stunned silence, "this bond that Merlin and I share. He once described the bond between Emrys and the Once and Future King as being two sides of the same coin. Have you ever been so close to someone that you could almost read what they were thinking – feel what they were feeling? Have you ever lost someone so dear to you that you felt as if a part of you had died when they were gone? Imagine that pain magnified ten times over and then you may begin to understand the torture I've been suffering from for the last five years.
"Taking up my title is the only way to mend what I have broken but I can't rescue Merlin alone. I'm asking for your help. I believe we were brought together at this moment in time because destiny is tired of waiting. Merlin is in trouble and I will ride into the mouth of Hell, if I have to, to save him. Will you help me?"
To everyone's shock – except perhaps Harry, Ron, and Hermione – Gwen answered immediately with a resounding yes. Arthur looked at her, his blue eyes wide with surprise. The young maid smiled, her countenance displaying the kindness she was famous for in the future.
"I will help you, Arthur," she stated without restraint. "Merlin is my friend but you are the reason I came to this Valley in the first place. I was told I was supposed to help the Once and Future King and so here I am. I'm willing to do whatever it is you ask of me, Sire."
She then curtsied to him, her head respectfully bowed.
"That's really not necessary," Arthur began.
But Lancelot interrupted him. "If you are to be king, you must accept the loyalty of your subjects." He then stood and shocked Arthur by falling into a steep bow. "I do not know Merlin but it is easy to see how much he means to you. A man who cares so deeply for another is one that reassures me will be a great king. You have my allegiance and my sword, Your Majesty."
Percival stood. "I experienced Uther's tyranny firsthand as his men destroyed my entire village and murdered my family. You are not your father. I can see that the people will be safe in your care, My Lord." He also bowed.
Elyan stood next. "Admitting one's faults shows humility. The king I want to serve is one that does not allow pride to rule his decisions. Like my sister, I pledge myself to you, Sire."
Leon rose to his feet and rested his hand on Arthur's shoulder. "I love you like a brother, Arthur, and will follow you anywhere. My loyalty has been and always will be yours."
Gwaine chuckled and rose to his feet, inclining his head towards Arthur. "A man that is insane enough to take on such impossible odds and hates the customs of nobility is my kind of king. I'll follow you to the ends of the earth, princess."
Freya took Arthur's hand in both of hers and lifted it to her lips. "Merlin's King is my king. My magic and my life are yours, Your Majesty."
Harry noticed that all of them had unintentionally formed a circle. He was witnessing the birth of the Round Table in this timeline with his own eyes and from the look of excitement and wonder on their faces, Ron and Hermione had realized this too. Humbled that he was seeing firsthand the bonds of brotherhood these men and women were forming, Harry felt inclined to add his voice to those that had already spoken.
"Though I'm not from this time, I want to add my support to you, Arthur. You're the King destined to rule this land. No one else can fill that position but you."
"And we that have magic stand by you," Hermione stated.
"At least, the three of us do," Ron clarified.
This was when everyone looked over at Morgana. The High Priestess was standing a little away from the circle with the happiest smile Harry had seen on her face since her wedding day in the future.
Green eyes sparkling with joy, she stepped forward and declared, "I also stand beside you, Arthur Pendragon, as do many of my kin. While there are some with magic who will despise you for being Uther's son, you are his son in blood alone. The actions you take from this day forward will change the hearts of many in the years to come – believe me, I've seen it – and there is no need to fear your birthright. You have allies that are ready and waiting to assist you, to help you learn how to become the king you want to be. That is the real reason why I am here: to take you to them."
"What?" Arthur yelped, the camaraderie somewhat spoiled as he whirled around to face her.
Morgana's joy turned into a wicked grin. "You didn't think I influenced everyone to assemble in this place just so the twelve of us could take on Bane alone, did you? My visions have been giving me instructions for months and I have been carrying them out. I have gathered your allies together and we are to go to Nemeth to meet them."
"I'm not going to Nemeth!" Arthur cried.
"Neither am I," stated Gwaine. "We're wanted men there!"
"I thought we were going to rescue Merlin," said Freya, confused as well as angry.
"We are," Morgana said in a strained tone due to everyone's outrage.
"Then why are you saying we have to go to Nemeth?" Arthur demanded.
"Because you can't storm Bane's castle without an army, you dolt," she retorted, flicking his forehead. "Bane's army is entirely made up of sorcerers. Even with the five sorcerers you have we wouldn't be able to make a dent in the wards his forces have put up. We need a taskforce, a huge one, in order to rescue Merlin."
"But Nemeth is days away!" Lancelot pointed out.
"And Merlin's already been kidnapped for seven," stated Gwen.
"And how do we even know these people in Nemeth will follow me?" Arthur said above the rest.
"You'll just have to exercise some faith," Morgana smirked. "Now I suggest you hold on to something."
"Why?" asked Percival.
Instead of answering, the Priestess's eyes flared with the brilliant gold of her inner magic. Harry felt something latch onto his torso and pick him up from behind. As soon as his feet left the ground, the world began to spin in a blur of color and sound, his stomach churning erratically from the cause of it. The horrifying sensation lasted for two eternal seconds before the swirling colors solidified and his feet touched down on a white floor, the large square stones slightly glistening from the sun streaming down through windows somewhere above his head. Vertigo caught up a second later and Harry's knees buckled. Apparently he wasn't the only one.
"Ugh," Arthur groaned somewhere to his right before swearing and cursing magical travel. "Where the heck are we anyway?" he demanded when finished shouting at Morgana.
"Welcome to Nemeth," someone stated behind them as Harry rolled around to see a man standing there with gray hair, a long face, and a heavy frown. "If you don't mind, I would prefer if you didn't shout in my halls."
"Who are you?" Arthur asked rather rudely due to his foul mood.
One of the man's thick eyebrows rose, his dark eyes flashing with disapproval. "King Rodor. And you are?"
Realizing his mistake, the color drained from Arthur's face. He'd just behaved quite appallingly in front of royalty and -as Harry looked around- apparently countless nobles. While the wizard was silently grateful not to be in the spotlight, he felt bad for Arthur. First impressions were always important and the future king had just made what could be a costly mistake. But he displayed the inner courage Harry had always seen and stood tall to answer the king's question, his response echoing throughout the spacious room.
"Arthur Pendragon."