I'm sorry that you had to wait so long. It is the last proper chapter and it is also the longest one. However, it is not the very end of the story. I will post a short epilogue soon.

Now enjoy!

Home for their hearts

Chapter 20

"The Once and Future King"

Merlin was keeping his eye on Arthur all the time. They were in the castle of an enemy and Arthur was a fugitive. Every person in this enormous building was their potential foe. Everyone could harm the king. Merlin was the one who could protect Arthur and he wasn't going to fail this task.

"What's the plan?" asked Arthur as they moved quietly in a darkened corridor.

"We need to convince your people that they shouldn't trust Morgana," whispered Merlin.

"How are we going to do that?" Arthur was honestly sceptical.

"Hush," Freya hissed suddenly.

They shut their mouths instantly and started to listen carefully. They could hear the shouts and screams that were coming from the courtyard. However, no one was approaching them.

"People must be scared," said Arthur, breaking the silence. "What's going on there?"

Merlin cleared his throat. "We've got Aithusa, the dragon from your tower," he said shyly.

"What? Are you going to kill my people?" Arthur was furious. He was more concerned about the people who were whispering behind his back than about himself.

"Kilgharrah won't let that happen," Merlin assured him immediately. "Aithusa is our weapon against Morgana. She won't hurt innocent people."

"She's an untamed dragon," said Arthur angrily.

"You know nothing about dragons, Sire," Freya spoke out. "They're not as hostile as you believe. They are intelligent and noble creatures," she said proudly.

"I may not be an expert but I know Aithusa," said Arthur. "She was a guard of my prison and I watched her every day. She knows nothing about being delicate."

"She was also a prisoner."

"Shut up. Both of you!" Merlin had to stop them before they could lose control. "Arthur, you have to believe me that Aithusa won't hurt your people. It's not her purpose."

"Why is she helping us anyway?" asked Arthur.

"She's also a creature of magic. She wants true freedom," Merlin explained.

"All right," said Arthur. "I just fear it's all in vain. People are not going to listen to a cheater like me. I'm a sinner in their eyes."

Merlin sighed. "We won't change their views in a minute. We can't influence their minds in this way." He smiled. "But you can show them the goodness of your heart. They may not accept all your life choices but they will follow you if they see that you're better than Morgana."

"The people and creatures of magic support you, Sire," said Freya much quieter. "Other people fear Morgana but they are not able to defy her without a strong leader."

"I am not a leader material," said Arthur. "I've just started to learn…"

"You underestimate yourself," Merlin assured him. "You are not flawless but you will become the greatest king of this land. I'm certain of that."

"I have no idea what to tell my people," said Arthur helplessly. "How can I convince them that their lives will be better under my rule? What arguments should I use?"

"Be yourself," Merlin told him firmly.

"That will be enough," added Freya and smiled at him.

Arthur looked at them. They were putting so much faith in him. It was touching but he was afraid that he would not stand up to their expectations. However, he decided to at least try. Merlin, Freya and others did so much to save him. He could not just give up. They all deserved more.

"Let's face them, then," said Arthur and they rushed towards the nearest doors that led outside.

oOoOo

Morgana and Morgause watched the courtyard from queen's chambers. They didn't want to rush anything. The rebellion had begun but Morgana didn't care much about it. She didn't care about her people or the walls of her castle. She was certain that the people would follow her in the end and the walls could be rebuilt. There was nothing to be worried about. She was going to use it against her husband. Arthur had just passed a death sentence on himself.

"Soon our dreams will come true," said Morgause quietly.

"Indeed. Arthur is not going to win this war," hissed Morgana. "He believes that a dragon and a bunch of sorcerers will get the throne for him. Poor people… they're going to die so painfully."

"You should focus on Arthur first," Morgause advised her. "As long as he's alive, the magic community will follow him. It seems they believe he's the foretold once and future king."

"They're stupid then," said Morgana. "It's just a myth. And even if the story was true, Arthur would not be the great king. Have they seen him? He's no king material. How could he become one of the greatest kings?"

"I know, sister. However, as long as they hope it's him, they won't let you rule," Morgause told her wisely.

"That's why he will die tonight," replied Morgana. "It's going to be fun."

"He's out there," said Morgause suddenly.

"It's time to join him then." Morgana smiled mischievously. "The boy is by his side. That's perfect."

"Morgana, be careful. He has magic too," Morgause warned her.

"It's just going to make it even more interesting."

oOoOo

"That's the king!" yelled one of the women gathered in the courtyard.

For a short moment people turned their gaze away from the dragon above them. They started looking for their king in the crowd. It looked as if it was staged.

Arthur gulped. The faces of these people were scared and confused. He wasn't sure what they expected from him. It could be death as well as protection.

"Talk to them," hissed Merlin who was standing right behind him.

Arthur cleared his throat and said the first thing that crossed his mind. "Don't be scared!" he tried loudly. "Everything should be fine."

"Try harder," whispered Merlin.

"You shouldn't be here!" yelled someone from the crowd.

"Is that dragon yours?"

"Is it a threat?"

Arthur felt overwhelmed but he knew that he had to do something quickly.

"The dragon belongs to no one!" announced Arthur. "It's a noble creature of magic that wants to be free."

"It's dangerous!"

"Why is it here?"

"It's gonna eat our children!"

"The dragon has not come here for you and your families," Arthur assured them. "I know it's hard to believe at the moment but that's the truth." He sighed inwardly. "It is a female dragon that has guarded my former prison. I hated her but now I know she had no choice. She was a prisoner too. Now she has escaped but she's not really free. Not until Morgana keeps her policy against the creatures of magic."

"The queen protects us!" yelled one of the guards.

"It's not protection," said Arthur firmly. "She fears other kinds of magic so she wants to get rid of them. She believes that's the only way for her to maintain power."

"You know nothing, Arthur Pendragon." It was Morgana's voice. Arthur, Merlin and the rest of people looked towards the main door. Morgana was standing there with sister by her side. "I fear no one. I am powerful and you..." She smirked. "You're making a fool of yourself."

"I believe in everything I said," Arthur told her. "You're a good actress, Morgana, but you're not good enough. You're not as tough as you want us to believe."

"I don't need to make anyone believe in me. They are my people and they know what I'm capable of." She started making small steps towards Arthur. "They knew me before they heard of your existence. I know what to do to keep them safe. You don't. You've got no experience." She raised her eyebrow. "And you're a dishonourable cheater."

"We're not talking about our marriage, Morgana," said Arthur, trying to hide how nervous he was. "We are talking about the people who live here. We are talking about freedom. Our marriage has been a farce all along."

"Perhaps it has been like this for you," hissed Morgana.

"Do you really want to pretend that it was a love match?" asked Arthur. "Everybody is aware that it was a marriage of convenience."

"It was a good match but you decided to destroy it," Morgana replied. "This kingdom could benefit from our marriage. I'm afraid I'll have to achieve it without you." She looked around, piercing the people with her green eyes. "By the power vested in me I sentence you to death, Arthur Pendragon," she announced. "Anyone who will try to challenge me will suffer the consequences. You may even share my husband's fate."

"I won't let you hurt him," Merlin spoke up.

"Tell your boy toy to shut up," Morgana said to Arthur. "He annoys me."

"Speak directly to me, Morgana!" said Merlin angrily.

She glanced at him. "Why? It's a waste of time. You cannot defeat me. You cannot protect your precious Arthur. You're simply too weak."

"You underestimate me," replied Merlin.

"We shall see." Morgana once again turned her attention to the crowd, saying, "if you value your lives, get out of here. I will protect you from this beast in the sky. However, if you want Arthur as your king, stay here and die for him."

People looked conflicted. Some of them retreated immediately but others were clearly confused. They knew that Morgana was not a fair and just queen. She had many flaws but her rules were mostly stable. Arthur seemed to care about his people more than Morgana but he was not experienced. Besides, the rumour had it that he was a constant sinner, a sodomite. The choice was not easy to make.

"Go on, make up your minds," said Morgana. "I can get rid of Arthur, magic creatures and the rebelled sorcerers in any minute. They are a threat. Not me."

Some of the people left the courtyard after her words but most of them stayed where they were. They were still confused and uncertain."

"Hurry up, I won't give you much more time," Morgana told them.

"They are not as devoted to you as you thought," said Arthur. "You're cruel and they fear you. It is the first time when they have an opportunity to change that. They can choose something else. Someone else. They can choose me." Arthur smiled. "I know who I am, Morgana. I know what most of these people think. I have sinned." He looked at Merlin but kept smiling. "I did it because of the deep feelings that I have. I did it because of love. My love is considered filthy but I can feel in my heart that it's right." He turned his gaze towards the people. "I don't want to change your views. You've got every right to have your own beliefs and as long as you don't hurt others, you can act on them. This is the kingdom I want to build. You may not agree with my every decision, with my personal life…" Once again he glanced at Merlin. "However, I will do everything to protect you. I don't want to spread hatred and fear. I want this kingdom to be the land of the free. As I said, there will be only one condition to live here. You're free as long as you don't hurt others. I think it is a pretty decent principle."

"Have you finished your boring announcement?" asked Morgana. "I'm sorry but I couldn't listen to you. The life is not only about love and freedom. You won't protect your kingdom with them."

"I will protect my kingdom with everything I can," replied Arthur. "All what I said concerns people who live here. If the kingdom was in danger, I would protect it with an army, magic and everything I could get. I don't want my people to suffer. That's why I ask you," he turned to the crowd, "I beg you to get out of here. It's a dangerous place. I don't need your presence as a proof of your loyalty to me. I don't care if you support me or Morgana. I just want you to be safe," he said honestly.

The people didn't need to be told twice. They retreated in rush, hoping that they could find a safe place to hide.

"It won't help you, Arthur," said Morgana. "These people listened to you and they may even agree with you but you won't live long enough to see that."

"You won't win this, Morgana," said Merlin.

Morgause laughed. "Don't be ridiculous, you pitiful man. Your power is nothing. It cannot be compared to Morgana's or mine," she said.

"I'm not the only one who protects Arthur," Merlin replied.

"I have magic as well," Freya spoke up.

"You are just a serving girl who knows a couple of tricks," said Morgana. "The others are also weak. You were born with some abilities but had no chance to develop them."

"You know nothing about us," replied Freya. "You are royal-born and you think that we who had to work our whole lives to survive could not focus on our talents. That's your mistake. We were determined to make our lives easier. We worked hard to achieve something."

"Words, words, words…" Morgana faked a yawn. "I have enough. I want some action." She raised her hand and pushed Freya with an invisible force.

The girl fell down but didn't lose her consciousness. She looked at Morgana angrily and cast a spell that the queen dismissed without an effort.

"If that's everything you can do, I'm afraid you've been wasting your time," said Morgana.

Suddenly, other sorcerers and witches walked into the courtyard. They were there to support Arthur. The king was conflicted. He was proud that these people wanted him as their leader but he also felt responsible for their fate. Morgana was powerful and she was able to hurt and kill these people. It was something that Arthur didn't want to happen.

"I don't want you to die for me," he said.

"That's more than that," spoke one of the sorcerers. "We're here because we believe in a better future for us and our children. She's not going to give it to us."

"That's going to be so much fun," said Morgana. "Sister, what do you think I should do first?" she asked.

"You should focus on Arthur," Morgause told her wisely.

"But it won't be fun. I want Arthur to see how I torture all of these people. I want him to feel guilty. And when I'm done with them, I will kill his precious Merlin." She looked directly into her husband's eyes. "Afterwards, Arthur will beg me to kill him and I will do it mercifully."

"Morgana, you should reconsider your decision," Morgause tried to convince her. "It's better to get rid of him as soon as possible. You may lose your chance."

"Nonsense," said Morgana. "They are no match for me. I crave some entertainment and Arthur's broken soul will be perfect for that."

"Morgana!"

"Don't get involved, Morgause," the queen warned her. "I've made up my mind."

She cast a spell that pushed a group of sorcerers against the wall. A few of them that were still standing were forced somehow to fall to their knees. Their groans and whines made her laugh. She felt amazing as she watched their pain.

"Don't hurt these people," shouted Arthur. "It's me you want! I'm standing right here! Let them be and you'll have me."

"Arthur, don't," hissed Merlin. "I won't allow that to happen."

"No, it's all right," said Arthur and looked at his beloved friend. "I am willing to sacrifice myself for the people of this kingdom. I don't want them to suffer." He turned toward Morgana and continued, "if you allow them to go away in peace, I will give up. You'll be able to torture me. You will kill me in any way you want. I'm giving myself to you without a fight."

"Stop it!" yelled Merlin. "I won't let that happen. It's not what we're fighting for." He had tears in his beautiful blue eyes.

"It may be the only chance for these people to survive this night," Arthur whispered to him. "I want them to take it."

"But I love you," said Merlin softly. "I don't want to live without you."

Arthur smiled sadly at him and when he was about to answer Morgana spoke up again. "Enough! I don't take your damn offer. I don't need it. I will defeat your little army. I will defeat the dragon. And finally I will get to you."

"You're a cruel woman, Morgana," said Arthur. "You will pay for your crimes sooner or later. Perhaps not by my hand but there will be someone who will manage to punish you."

"These are big words, my dear husband," she said, smirking. "I don't think they're a prophecy. You're too ordinary to have such a gift. You're also very stupid. I have a great plan to get what I want. This is just a part of my plan. A small step. You have no idea what I will accomplish in the end."

"I fear for those who will live long enough to see that day," replied Arthur. "I hope it will never happen."

"No one can stop me. Let's begin!" Her eyes shone with a strong golden light. It would have looked beautiful if it hadn't been so scary. The ground shook and the sky was lit up by several flashes of lightning.

"Morgana, that's not wise," said concerned Morgause. "You should focus on other matters."

"I know what I do," the queen replied and laughed madly.

"You will kill your people!" yelled Arthur. "Is that what you want?"

"I won't kill all of them," said Morgana. "I need to make this sacrifice to seal my power."

Arthur looked at astonished Merlin. "What should I do?" he asked him. "Merlin, tell me that there's something that can be done to stop her. She's mad." The king knew that he sounded hopeless but he truly didn't care about it. He cared for the people of this land and for their fate. Leaving them for Morgana's mercy was a mistake. This woman did not know what mercy was. She cared only for her own well-being.

"We will try to stop her," Merlin said to him. "I will do everything in my power to protect you and your people."

"Just don't hurt yourself," Arthur told him immediately.

Merlin just placed a short kiss on his lips and smiled shyly.

"Merlin!" Arthur said in a warning tone.

"Remember that I love you," the young warlock whispered.

"Merlin!"

However Merlin was already on his way towards Morgana. Arthur wanted to rush after him but some kind of force stopped him. It was magic that Merlin used to protect him. Arthur hated him for that. For this short moment he hated magic once again. It was a torture to watch his loved one walk towards one of the most dangerous women in the world. It was almost a suicide. Arthur believed that Merlin was strong but he didn't want him to fight on his own. Arthur wanted to be by his side. If they didn't succeed, they would die by one another's side. It wasn't the worst kind of death.

"Merlin!" Arthur kept yelling after him but he didn't look back.

Merlin was determined to defeat Morgana. He was ready to sacrifice himself. He was doing all of it for Arthur and his kingdom. Merlin was certain that Arthur would be the greatest king this land could ever have. Despite the doubts that Arthur had, he was ready to rule the kingdom on his own. Merlin hoped to see this day with his own eyes but he wasn't sure he would survive the battle with Morgana. However, as long as he had a chance to stop her, it was worth his life.

"Hello, Merlin," Morgana greeted him with a smirk. "I'm so glad that you want to stand on my way. Killing you will make me so happy and seeing Arthur's broken heart afterwards will be even more precious."

"I'm not an easy opponent," Merlin told her.

"I hope so," replied Morgana. "Stopping these people was too easy. I want a bit of a challenge!"

Merlin's eyes shone with gold and he waved his hand towards Morgana. The queen felt a push but she dismissed it easily. "Do you really think that defeating me is that easy?" she asked him and cast a spell at him.

Merlin dodged quickly. "Likewise," he said loudly. "You'll have to be more creative."

Morgana created a ball of fire that hovered above her hand. "Is that creative to you?" she asked and pushed the ball towards him.

This time Merlin didn't manage to duck on time. The ball hit his left arm, hurting him a bit. Before Merlin could reply, Morgana pushed a couple of identical balls in his direction. This time, however, Merlin knew what to expect. He created a silver barrier in front of himself that stopped the balls. Morgana was about to create a bigger one that could destroy Merlin's barrier when Merlin used her weapon against her. He pushed all the balls back to Morgana who was focused on her spell and thus was not ready to protect herself. The force pushed her to the ground and for a short moment she couldn't move. When she tried to sit up Merlin used his own magic to keep her on the ground.

Suddenly Morgause came out of the shadow and cast a spell towards him. Merlin fell on his back but the woman didn't use it as an opportunity to kill him. She knelt by her sister's side to check her wounds. At the same time Arthur ran towards Merlin, as the barrier which kept the king safe vanished.

"Don't do this to me ever again," Arthur whispered softly. "We were supposed to fight together."

"I want to protect you," said Merlin and sat up slowly.

"Let me help you," Arthur asked him. "We can do this together."

Merlin nodded and hugged Arthur lightly. "All right," he whispered.

Arthur helped him stand up and they looked towards the sisters. Morgana didn't look well which made Morgause furious. "How dare you raise your hand to the queen?! You will regret that day. You will lose everything!"

"I did that to protect the king," replied Merlin. "Morgana used that spell first. I just turned it against her."

Morgause didn't seem to care about it. She growled and the ground shattered. Then she raised her hand and started reciting an old spell. Merlin recognised the words. It was a very powerful and dangerous spell that could turn the city into a ruin. He knew that he had to do something to stop her. However, he was exhausted and was not able to cast a spell that could be strong enough to neutralize it. Then something crossed his mind. There was still hope. They had an enormous dragon by their side that could do the work. He looked up in the sky and closed his eyes for a short moment to gather the rest of his strength.

"What are you doing, Merlin?" Arthur asked him worryingly.

"Trust me," the warlock whispered. Then he opened his eyes and looked directly at the dragon which was hovering above the clearing. "O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo!" he yelled.

Aithusa immediately rushed towards the castle, making all the people gasp in fear.

"Merlin, what's going on?" asked Arthur. "What are you planning?"

"I'm about to make you the only ruler of this land," Merlin told him. "Hold on to me and you'll be safe. I will always protect you."

"The dragon will destroy the castle," said Arthur.

"Aithusa will do no such thing," Merlin assured him. "Kilgharrah is with her. He knows what to do."

"Is it a part of the plan?" asked Arthur.

"It is a plan B. You'll see."

Aithusa hovered a few feet above the courtyard. Shattering of the ground was stronger and stronger. Morgause was finishing her spell and it was their last chance to change the future.

"Let's end this!" Merlin called towards the dragons.

Aithusa didn't have to be told twice. She landed in front of two sisters. Morgause tried to push her away with a nonverbal spell but her attention was focused mostly on the incantation so it didn't work.

The dragon used her weakness against her. Aithusa bent forward and swallowed the cruel sisters down her throat.

The people around gasped in shock.

"I didn't expect that," said Arthur, astonished.

"It was a cruel act but it was our last chance," Merlin told him. "I didn't want to scare people in this way. I'm so sorry…"

"Calm down, Merlin. Morgause was planning something worse. It had to be done," said Arthur.

"Her incantation was going to destroy the city. She was as mad as Morgana. I hope that people will understand these unusual circumstances." Merlin sighed. "I didn't want to make such a mess in your castle. Tidying it up will take a while."

Arthur knew that he didn't mean just the castle. Arthur had to focus on his people and their trust. Morgana had shattered his position and he had to regain it.

"You will help me, won't you?" asked Arthur. "I don't think I can do it on my own."

"You can," said Merlin. "But you won't have to," he added, smiling at his beloved king.

They stood in the middle of the courtyard looking at each other as if they were the only people left alive. Soon they would have to start working hard to build the kingdom they wanted to live in. It was going to be the kingdom of the foretold once and future king. Merlin was certain of that.