Chapter Twenty-one

As the dawn turned into late morning, Arthur still had not been able to go to sleep. The knights had taken Morgana back up to the castle as soon as the gates opened and Gaius had come down and started to tend to the wounded, setting Arthur and Merlin off to scour the lower city for anyone who might need his attention while Gwen assisted him.

Merlin seemed anxious to avoid Arthur, having grown increasingly nervous about what Arthur might say about his magic. Arthur felt too tired to think about two things at once and so concentrated on the search.

Shortly before noon a knight arrived and informed Arthur that Uther requested his immediate presence up at the castle.

Walking back up to the castle Arthur couldn't help but feel a little nervous as he couldn't help but remember their last encounter. Even when Uther had remembered Arthur was his son, he hadn't had much tolerance for Arthur yelling at him.

The knights took Arthur through the castle and into a private study of his father's. Arthur was surprised to find himself alone with Uther. for after the knights had bowed they retreated, shutting the heavy oak doors behind them. Uther was standing over near the window looking out and he gestured at Arthur to approach.

Coming up next to Uther a dark thought flickered through Arthur's mind that he still had his sword and the two were completely alone. If ever he wanted his revenge for what his father had done to his mother, or for Uther's actions last night, now was the time…

"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" Arthur asked, trying to sound respectful, remembering that the two times they had talked in the last four months had been when he had tried to tell Uther he was his son and last night, and neither had gone very well.

"I did," Uther turned towards him. He reached out and clasped Arthur on the shoulder. "I have been given a full account of your actions last night…and I am fully aware of how much I owe you. You saved Morgana's life last night, not to mention several of my knights'. I am in your debt for an amount I can never repay."

"Your Majesty I assure you, you owe me nothing. I was merely performing my duty."

"No," said Uther firmly. "Morgana is everything I have. As my ward she is more than merely the heir to the throne…she is the most important thing in my life. Both I, and Camelot, owe you a debt of gratitude."

Arthur paused for a moment, and wondered why it didn't hurt more to hear his father's love transferred to another. "The Lady Morgana is a great woman. She saved those people last night with her bravery and her leadership. She will be a great ruler someday and a great queen. I am glad I could help to ensure that that day will still come."

Uther smiled. "I summoned you here to do more than offer my thanks. I know you and I have had friction the times we have met but I am willing to overlook past arguments. The knights told me how well you fought; they say you are one of the best swordsmen they have ever seen. Sir Trey even confessed you to be better than him and if you knew him you'd know how extraordinary it is for him to confess that."

"Well it was a long night," shrugged Arthur, "Undoubtedly the man's tired and not thinking straight."

Uther laughed and then turned serious. "I wish to help you. I wish to appoint you as a castle guard."

"A castle guard?"

"Yes. I wish to take an interest in you. And given your reported prowess with a sword I think it's a position eminently suited. When next Camelot is attacked, I would ensure that you would play a part in her defense. Well, what do have to say?"

Arthur stared at his father for a moment. Uther was offering a lot. He was offering him a position from which Arthur could easily watch for any sorcerer that should come to the castle. He would be aware of the comings and goings of those inside the castle much more than he ever could as a blacksmith. Also, he had earned his father's respect…he had done something and Uther was grateful…he remembered how hard he had once worked to try and make his father proud of him….

And he realized he was done with that. Perhaps it was because he was no longer proud of his father.

In his head suddenly, he could hear Iseldir's words:

'But you must choose how you wish to live your life, if you are willing to live what could be the rest of your years with nothing more than a hope of restoring what was lost.'

And then he realized something even more important. He realized he didn't want to restore what was lost anymore. He was happy with what he had and Camelot didn't need him. He remembered the respect the people in the meeting hall had shown towards Morgana, they clearly looked up to her and had faith in her. She was wise and firm but tempered her firmness with far more kindness then Uther did. And she did not have his burning, passionate hatred against magic. Camelot would flourish under her. Arthur would feel no guilt in leaving it to her.

And instantly he knew; there was only one thing he really wanted.

He started to speak, speaking slowly, picking his words carefully. "Your Majesty, I cannot express to you how much your offer means to me. I am very sensible of the great honor you do me. But I…am content, more than content, with the life I have now. I will confess to Your Majesty that I am a terrible blacksmith. Quite possible the worst blacksmith whoever lived but…I am happy and I am at peace…there is only favor, I must beg Your Majesty."

"And what is that?" asked Uther.

Arthur weighted his words carefully. "Where I come from…it is traditional, when someone wishes to marry a member of the royal house, even if it is only a servant girl in the castle mind you, to formally ask the King's permission. I realize that is not the case in Camelot, but as it is the tradition of my people I wouldn't feel right not to do so. So I would like to formally ask you, Uther Pendragon, for your permission for me, Arthur, to marry Guinevere."

Uther blinked at him for a second and then smiled. "I am happy to give it. You both have my blessing." He shook Arthur's hand. "And you may expect a small wedding present from me when the day comes."

Arthur bowed and smiled and then excused himself. Walking away down the hall he couldn't help but grin to himself. At least if the worst happened and somehow everyone did remember him ever again, his father couldn't get angry about Arthur marrying without his express permission.

As he stepped out into the courtyard he just caught site of Gaius entering his house and it stopped him dead in his steps. What he really wanted to do now was to go and collapse in bed, but a nagging voice in his head told him that wasn't fair to Merlin. He needed to deal with him first.

Sighing, he walked towards the Physicians' chambers.