In camelot things were almost back to normal. The king still held court and the people still went about their normal duties. Eventhough the king tried to hide it the people could see he was not himself. He had lost that jovialty he always had when his servant was around. Sometimes you could see him almost turning back to talk to someone only to stop half way because said person was not there. Most times you could here him calling someone Merlin only to play it down to being tired.

Arthur stood near his window looking over his kingdom. The past year has been tough. And though he would loathe to admit it, he was too reliant on Merlin. The day after he banished Merlin (for saving his life, though he would still not admit it.) they was an increase in magical attacks throughout the kingdom. At first he thought it was merlin but Gaius prove him wrong.

(FLASHBACK)

When Arthur woke up the morning after he had banished Merlin, he had a massive headache. Thinking back to what happened he remembered the shouting match he had with Gaius and Guinevere. It seemed they were not happy with his decision to banish the sorcerer. Yes according to his father sorcerers are monsters who do not deserve respectable names, not that he would ever call Merlin a respectable name, but still a sorcerer is a sorcerer.

Gaius had tried to warn him to rescind his decision but he did not budge. He did not understand why the physician was fretting, they have dealt with magic before and they always won this will be no different. How wrong he was.

The first sign of trouble occurred during the council meeting, while the Lords were arguing about territories and rations, the doors flew off its hinges with guards flying with it. It took a moment for them to figure out what was going on before the screams started in the great hall. Arthur looked for the source of the screams and saw a lord beside him impaled with a sword.

At the entrance of the great hall stood a man with outstretched hands, the king was able a tinge of gold fade from his eyes. Of course sorcery.

'Arthur Pendragon' the sorcerers voice was carried through the great hall, 'come out wherever you are. Not so powerful now are you? Come out you murdering bastard. Or is it only defenseless women and children you kill?.'

Those words had shaken him, but you would not notice it apart from a small twitch of his shoulder. That statement brought back memories. Bad memories he had thought he had left behind. How had this sorcerer known, even merlin didn't know. He was so engrossed in his musings that he did not that he had been moving towards the sorcerer. He only stopped when he saw that he was standing in front of sorcerer.

'Who are you sorcerer?' Arthur asked him. Though he was seething on the inside. 'How dare you come in here to surly this place with your magic? How dare you threaten the life of your king? How dare make up such lies against me? How dare'

Before arthur could continue the sorcerer interrupted him. ' King? Whose king? How dare you call yourself a king when you kill your own people. The rightful king and lord of magic has has taken his rightful place. Long live Emrys. And what lies are you talking about everything I said has been the truth.'

Only few people knew about Emrys. And only one person knew his true identity. When Gaius heard heard the proclamation he gasped attracting everyones attention to him.

'You see even your court physician knows the truth.' The sorcerer shouted once again. ' now Pendragon you die.' He lifted his hands but before he could utter a word, a sword came out from his back. When he fell down Gwaine appeared.

'How is everyone sire? The lower town was under attack so we couldn't come on time.'

'Do not worry about it Gwaine, there was nothing you could have done.' Arthur paused for breath then continued, 'Lord Gregory and Lord Ector are dead.'

There was a slight pause as everyone paid their silent respects to the two lords. 'Do we know how they got in without anyone noticing them. Most of them appeared out of nowhere.' Arthur asked no one in particular but they all knew he was waiting for Gaius to explain. Even Gwen was also waiting for an explanation. 'Gaius? What do you know of this attack. Was it him? Did he do it for revenge? Who is this Emrys that has proclaimed himself lord of magic?.' He would have continued if Gauis had not interrupted him.

'Sire Merlin is not responsible for this attack. These are rogue sorcerers sire. The reason they were able to appear out of no where can only mean one thing. The wards Merlin had put over camelot has fallen.' Gaius said. But before he could continue the king interrupted him.

'So you knew he put camelot under a curse. Why didn't you say anything before?.' Surprisingly it was Percival who answered.

'Sire it does not necessary mean he cursed camelot. If what Gaius said is to be understood Merlin placed protective enchantments over Camelot that stopped things like this from happening. Right?,' Gaius nodded when the knight looked at him. 'So since he is not here the enchantment can not stop these guys any longer.'

'Yes Sir Percival is correct. Without merlin the wards will fail.' Gaius said.

'But that is not possible. Surely it will take great magical power to maintain it.' Arthur ever the sceptical one ranted. 'this does not explain who emrys is.'

'I have heard of him.' Gwaine answered. 'What? I hear things in the tavern.' H equickly explained when everyone looked at him dubiously. 'It is said that he is the most powerful warlock to walk the earth. He can command dragons and various beasts alike. But most importantly, he will serve the once and future king and together they will unite the land of Albion. I think he is the only one Morgana feared.'

'Who is he? Is there such a person? I mean if there was he would have destroyed camelot.' Arthur said.

'Actually sir its not. The legend of Emrys and his king is well known even before your father started the pudge.' Gaius answered him.

'Well then who is he?' he asked again.

'He was your servant my lord.' And with that Gaius left the throne room.

(FLASHBACK ENDS)

Its been a year now but that topic has always been fresh in his mind. After Gaius told him of Merlins deed he realised how foolish he was. The only bright spot in his life has been Guinevere. He was going to marry her if she agreed.

'Sire a sorcerer was captured by the boarder. He is at the throne room as we speak.' Sir Leon informed him.

Well Arthur said in his mind, time to start the day.