Merlin blinked blearily at the familiar sight of Camelot. How many times had he returned from varying trips with Arthur, to stand here and look upon the kingdom? The others started to move towards the gates, picking up their pace at the sight of home.
Merlin stood still. He looked so fragile, the last shivering, shuddering leaf clinging to a branch as the cold grasp of winter approaches. "Wait."
His voice was soft but he saw Arthur visibly stiffen. The blonde king stood still for a moment. He turned to face the warlock and Merlin tensed. He tried to read Arthur's face but he couldn't see any definable emotion there. His heart jumped erratically in his chest. This was it. He'd be banished, executed. A look of determination swept Arthur's face. He walked quickly to stand before Merlin. He took a deep breath. "You… you have magic." His bow crinkled. "My father, he-he would not have tolerated you in his kingdom. But," he faltered for a second, and then regained his composure.
Arthur looked Merlin in the eyes and said strongly and clearly; "But my father no longer rules Camelot. I do. And you Merlin, will always be safe here. No magic or sorcery will ever confuse me of that. You have been by my side for years and it would be foolish to think I would not do the same for you. You have not asked of me for anything that I have not been able to give and this-you, are no exception."
His gaze softened and then a devilish hint of a smirk crept into his eyes. "Now hurry up Merlin, my boots are going to need to be cleaned and polished among other things. Run on down and see if you can get me a hot meal." He cocked an eyebrow.
Merlin's mouth opened and closed, he was at a loss for words. Arthur's eyes looked more open then he had ever seen. "Nothing has changed. If you need someone," he stumbled over this part. "Er… Freya… I'm here."
The young warlock grasped at words. "Arthur…"
Arthur looked at him. The knights had been watching the exchange. Gwaine came over and clapped the boy on the shoulder. "Better get a move on mate. My stomach's been growling for the past hour."
Merlin felt sluggish. He had not expected an outcome such as this. Suddenly elation swept him. He was safe, free. The burden of his terrible secret had shrunk considerably. With new found energy, his feet carried him all the way back to Camelot.
In the years that passed, Arthur Pendragon proved to be a great king of Camelot. With Gwen by his side, he brought an age of prosperity to the kingdom. Laws against sorcery lifted and Merlin, previously the king's manservant became the first official Court Sorcerer. It was the beginning of a new era.
Sooo… I guess this is the end. This is my first finished multi-chapter fanfiction. Please review… J I hope you enjoyed the story. Thank you so much for reading, especially if you have been following since the beginning. It means a lot to me. Please review what you thought of the ending(if you want:D).