CHAPTER 26
It was early in the morning when Sir Leon had escorted Alice into the court yard at Camelot. They had been riding for some hours and by now she was exhausted. But the Knight had kept her well entertained as he told her all that had been happening.
She couldn't believe that once again she was back in the place where it had all started. She had never dared to dream that one day she could return here to be with her old love. She had been thinking about him for most of the journey, her heart fluttering around as if she was young all over again. She was relieved in the end that Sir Leon had been able to distract her; otherwise her excitement would have become overwhelming.
He helped her off her horse, taking her bags from her. She looked around; even in the early morning the castle was busy. She sensed a new exciting buzz about the place. When Uther had been alive everything had seemed so controlled and rigid. But she felt completely different in this new Camelot. It didn't stop her being nervous about meeting the new young King. She still felt shame over the incident which had led her to be incarcerated inside a Camelot prison cell. She knew she had to apologise at the very least. She had felt so excited when she received the letter from Merlin inviting her to return. All of a sudden, she was determined to do everything she could to make it a success.
As she looked around her, she noticed a tall and dark-haired Knight walking towards her. She thought he looked very striking, which was confirmed even more when a smile broke out on his face.
"I believe that you are Alice," he said, "My name is Lancelot and it is my job to escort you to Gaius,"
"Thank you and its lovely to meet you Lancelot," Alice beamed back. She turned to Sir Leon who had finally brought her bags over to her. "Thank you once again Leon for your company, if that injury to your hand still troubles you I have a potion which may help,"
"Thank you, Alice," Leon replied, "I may very well take you up on the offer. I hope you will be very happy at Camelot,"
"Thank you, I know I will," she smiled,
"I will leave you in Lancelot's capable hands then," Leon replied, walking away.
Lancelot picked up her bags, "If you follow me I will take you up0 to Gaius. He doesn't know you are coming today, so it will be a surprise for him,"
Alice laughed, "Let's hope a good one,"
"It will be he speaks highly of you," Lancelot assured her.
"He always was a charmer," Alice laughed, "I never thought I'd get the chance to return here to him,"
"So much is changing now, everyone is needed," Lancelot said, trotting up the stairs.
Alice was tempted to ask him more, but then thought now wasn't the time. Besides which any moment she would see Gaius once again, right now it was the only thing she wanted to think about.
Lancelot knocked on the door, Alice smiled as she heard Gaius's voice. Lancelot was about to pick up the bags again, but Alice intervened.
"Thank you so much Lancelot, do you mind if I surprise him?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
"Of course not, don't tell anyone that I left your bags outside the room though," Lancelot grinned.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything I promise," Alice smiled, watching him leave.
She opened the door slowly and stepped inside the room her eyes searching for Gaius. She found him straight away, working on some potion his back turned to her. She picked her bags up putting them down quietly and walked over towards him.
"Hello Gaius," she said, her voice happy and light.
"Alice!" Gaius replied, "What a lovely surprise, I wasn't expecting you today,"
Suddenly they were sharing an embrace and Alice felt all the years apart suddenly disappearing as they came together. They stayed like this for a few minutes, until the emotion in Alice's eyes forced them apart. She saw much the same reaction in Gaius as well.
"Once I received word from Merlin, there was no reason to stay where I was. He kindly sent Sir Leon to escort me to Camelot. I will have to thank him when I see him. Who'd have thought I'd have another chance after last time," Alice said, wiping her eyes.
"Don't even think about the last time Alice," Gaius reassured her, "It's a very different Camelot to the one before. One I never thought I'd see again,"
"Is it really true then?" Alice asked, "That the King is returning magic to the realm,"
"Oh yes, it is very much so," Gaius smiled, "In fact, I will have to go to a meeting shortly with one of the Lord's. I can't quite believe you are here, I was speaking to Merlin only yesterday and he made no mention of it," Gaius laughed,
"I think he wanted to make it a surprise for you. I hope its not too much of a shock,"
"The nicest shock I have ever had," Gaius assured her, "I feel really bad to be leaving you so soon, but at least it will give you a chance to settle in,"
"Don't worry about me Gaius. I will have a little rest that ride has exhausted me. It is just so good to be with you," They hugged again making the most of every moment. As they eased apart Alice kissed him on the cheek. Then there was a knock on the door and a young Knight stood there breathlessly.
"Sorry to disturb you. But the King request's your presence," he said.
"Thank you," Gaius replied, "You remember where everything is Alice. Go and have a sleep on Merlin's bed if you are tired. There is some stew over there if you are hungry. With a bit of luck this won't take too long,"
"I'll be fine Gaius. Thank you," Alice assured him, "Don't keep your King waiting."
She watched him walk over to the door, as he opened it he paused and she laughed as she saw another wide smile on his face. "Go on, you will be getting me a bad reputation on my first day back,"
"I will see you later," Gaius replied, before finally closing the door.
As a sudden silence took over the room, Alice looked around Gaius's chaotic workplace with affection. It really hadn't changed from when she'd been there before. She walked over and looked at some of his potions, hardly being able to contain her excitement, at the thought of working with him once again. She had brought some new ingredients with her, which she knew would intrigue him. She decided to make a potion for Sir Leon, as she felt he would need some shortly. Before long, it was as if she had always been here.
Merlin was already sitting with Arthur as the door opened and Lord Oakes came in. Lord Blake and Gaius were also there. Merlin had shared Gaius's joy at him being reunited with Alice, even now he could see the happiness in his mentor's eyes. But he knew now he needed all his attention on the matter in hand. He watched as Lord Oakes walked over and Merlin could sense he already looked disgruntled. He had already decided to let Arthur lead proceedings and he waited for the King to begin.
"I would like to thank you for agreeing to this meeting with us Lord Oakes," Arthur began, "I am sure you are wanting to ask questions and I will certainly allow you to do so, but I will first explain why you have been called to this meeting,"
To Merlin's surprise the Lord gave a curt nod at Arthur, though not before looking sternly in Merlin's direction. Merlin hoped that Arthur would say the right things otherwise he had a feeling that things could move away from them very quickly.
"This last month has been a real journey for me personally. When I first discovered that Merlin was a sorcerer, I am not going to deny that it was a huge shock for me. But then having spoken with Merlin and indeed with Gaius and Lord Blake here, I have to admit that my whole perception of this Kingdom has changed beyond everything. No matter how much I loved my father and I did, I can no longer accept that the purge was anything other then an abomination of this Kingdom's great name," Arthur continued. "To make war on a whole people was both wrong and unjust,"
Merlin who by now was watching Lord Blake closely could already sense his growing fury and knew before long, it would explode. He was surprised already at how forthright Arthur had been and while grateful, was also hoping it wouldn't prove the undoing of them now.
"Furthermore," Arthur went on, "I feel for us to make peace with the past we have to change in a way that is real and meaningful. That will mean certain changes,"
"So, it's true then what I have always suspected," Lord Oakes cut in, "I knew from the start that magic would be back on the agenda. The moment he was spared I could see it. Does he have you under his power?"
"Lord Oakes, I assure you that I am my own man, I am under no one's power real or imagined. I have on the other hand had my eyes opened. I was brought up to fear magic, yet those around this table, Gaius, Lord Blake and even your good self, know there is more to magic than just plain fear. Before my father committed war with those magic users, Camelot was a very different place. It was a time when everyone worked together for the good of the Kingdom. There were healers who helped keep people alive in the harsh winters. There were people who would entertain children on the streets, while others who sold their wears in the market and traded with non-magic users,"
"There were those that killed without pity," Lord Oakes argued, "People like your sister who left people dying on roads. Old people, children lying around in the mud. I had to bury them along with others. I lost my own brother to a man who practiced dark magic, even now he is alive to follow his dark arts. Yet here you sit preaching to me with that sorcerer sitting by your side,"
For a moment Merlin felt they had lost the fight. It was one undeniable truth that magic in the hands of some had indeed cost lives and created untold fear and destruction. Thanks to those who had sold themselves to the dark side, it was an argument that people such as Lord Oakes would throw in their faces time after time. Just as Merlin was beginning to fear the worst, a quiet and dignified voice broke in silencing the room.
"Yes, it's true Lord Oakes, that magic has cost people's lives," Lord Blake interrupted, "I too helped bury the dead when Morgana went on her rampage of appalling destruction. I lost relatives as well just like many others in Camelot. Yet if we are honest, we have also benefited from magic as well. I like you had family members healed by magic, in those years before the purge occurred. I believe it was your mother who had caught the winter sweating sickness that year. You like me, tried everything. Then Gaius here introduced us to an amazing woman called Alice."
Merlin watched in silence as all of a sudden everyone became transfixed by Lord Blake's reminiscing. He briefly saw the emotion in Gaius's face as the old man relived one of Alice's great successes. Not for the first time Merlin realised that having people like Alice on side would be so important.
"I believe she fought that illness with your mother for four nights, never leaving her side. Each time you refused to believe she could cure her," Lord Blake continued, "But eventually on that miraculous fifth night the miracle happened. Do you noy remember how we wept together, when your mother finally opened her eyes once more?"
"It was a new potion that Alice had learnt that very month. She was passionate about helping people," Gaius added, "Your mother was far from the only one who had her to thank for saving her life. I lost count at how many little ones, she managed to keep alive that hard winter. All thanks to magic, as for whatever reason, the conventional cures had no effect,"
Merlin noticed how quiet Lord Oakes had gone, his eyes were looking down at the table it seemed as if he was somehow somewhere else. But Merlin could feel the emotion enough to know that the old man was reliving something that was very personal to him alone. In that moment he felt nothing but compassion for another man.
"Can I speak?" Merlin asked, wanting to contribute and knowing now was the time to do so.
"Go ahead," Arthur replied.
Merlin could see the trust in Arthur's eyes and affection too which gave him even more belief and a determination to make a point.
"Lord Oakes I understand that there are things you fear about magic. If I did not have magic then I too would probably suffer from the same emotion. Camelot as a place suffered greatly after the purge, as too did people who had magic. My own father was forced away from my mother and had to live in a cave on his own for years, away from the woman he loved. In your experience and also in my mother's too, there is nothing but a harsh cruelty. When he died I had only known him for two days. It is only when you lose somebody that you can begin to understand the depth of someone else's loss."
"You were Balinor's son," Lord Oakes replied, looking up at Merlin for the first time. "He actually helped me once when I was out in the woods and was injured. I had been left for dead, he had stayed with me until the Knights arrived. He kept me alive, I would never have survived if I hadn't come upon him."
"He was a good man, who always helped people. He cured Arthur too when a wound had become infected," Merlin replied,
"I still don't know what he gave me that day, but I had never felt better in all my life," Arthur admitted, "Lord Oakes I understand it is difficult for some people to see the good in magic. But as Gaius said to me it is not magic itself which is evil, but what the person does with it. I know what my sister did, but I also know what Merlin has done for all these years. I know that without him by my side I would probably not be here. It's not just me he has protected either but all us of us. I think its true to say without him by Camelot's side, we would have struggled to overcome some of those dark forces, you speak off."
"All this may be true sire, but if magic comes back how can we control those who will look to use it as a weapon?" Lord Oakes asked, "No matter what the intention is there will be those who will do that,"
"They will be dealt with Lord Oakes, I give you my word on that. Over the years I have had to kill other magic users, I've done it without hesitation. Those who have used magic as a tool to force their beliefs on others will receive no backing from me. Arthur has asked me to form a group which will look at all magical matters. Arthur and I both feel it shouldn't just be those with magic on the group, but we should also have a non-magical person as well. We thought about you which is why we have called this meeting," Merlin explained, holding his breath
"Me?" Lord Oakes asked, "What could I possibly give to this group?"
"We all know the reasons the old Accord died away Lord Oakes," Gaius said, "It was because the biggest group in the Kingdom the non-magical peoples were not invited to contribute. It was a huge error and one we never managed to put right. Therefore, there has to be someone to work with those who return magic. By doing that they will understand magic better and know the guidelines will protect those that need it,"
"I feel with your experience you are the ideal man to take this on, along with Lord Blake and Gaius. I also believe Alice and the Druids too will be a part of it as well. It is essential that we all have our say and make sure that every group in Camelot is represented on this new Accord. I believe you knew the words of the old Accord,"
"Yes, indeed sire. I helped compose them," Lord Oakes muttered quietly,
"Yes, you did," Arthur replied, "You also put in some useful guidelines that I would like to see you do with any new Agreement we reach. It is essential we use everyone's intelligence and diligence so that there is a fair and just framework to hold too,"
"Have you thought about how this will effect other Kingdoms nearby sire?" Lord Oakes asked,
"Well I know in certain Kingdoms such as Nemeth magic is already allowed. I know one or two other Kingdoms are less well- disposed towards it. But I will invite everyone over to Camelot and can reassure everyone about our future plans," Arthur explained, "Which is why we need to work on it as soon as possible. I am asking you to be a part of this Lord Oakes,"
"I need some reassurances first sire," Lord Oakes replied,
"Which are?" Arthur asked,
"I need proof that Morgana is really gone,"
"I can already assure you of that, I saw Merlin kill her along with a most of Camelot's army,"
"We both know from before that people can be returned to life through magic," Lord Oakes said, staring at Merlin,
"Maybe I can answer this," Merlin said, looking at Arthur who nodded,
"I killed Morgana with a sword that was forged in a dragon's breath. That allows me to kill those with extreme magical skills, such as a High Priestess. I can personally assure you Morgana will not return to this world,"
"A Dragon's breath?" Lord Oakes asked, "Is this the dragon that was under the castle?"
Merlin gulped, "Yes Kilgharra was indeed under the castle until I set him free. He helped me to protect the Kingdom by advising me on magical matters,"
"What has happened to this creature now," Lord Oakes asked,
"I believe Kilgharrah is no more. I have called him but he has not returned. There is another dragon a very young one called Aithusa who I am presently assisting as it's my sacred duty due to being a Dragon lord,"
"Is she a danger to Camelot?" Lord Oakes let the question hang in the air.
"No, I control her," Merlin said,
"But what happens if you die, get killed or something,"
"I won't be dying any time soon Lord Oakes, I can assure you of that," Merlin said,
"How could you possibly know such a thing? You could be killed tomorrow for all you know then we are left with a dragon we cannot control," Lord Oakes, pointed out.
Merlin looked at Gaius and felt relieved as his mentor cut into the conversation.
"I feel there are things we should all know around this table. Arthur here is the Once and Future King,"
"What does that mean?" Lord Oakes asked,
"There is a prophecy which has come about long before any of us were born. It speaks of Arthur the Once and Future King, who one day will die and then come back to life to save Albion in her moment of greatest need. Merlin here will remain alive and wait for Arthur's return," Gaius explained, looking at Arthur.
"I realise this is a lot to take in it was for me as well. But I have seen the prophecy that was written down, I see no reason to disbelief it. It has been Merlin's destiny to protect me and he has from the first day he arrived in Camelot,"
"Is this really true Lord Blake?" Lord Oakes asked,
"I believe the Druids first mentioned this to me many years ago," Lord Blake confirmed.
"I have a connection to the Druids they know me as Emrys which means immortal. They have also played their part in assisting me in my protection of Arthur and Camelot,"
"So, you see Lord Oakes, even as Camelot persecuted those with magic, those same magical people were still helping protect this Kingdom. It is this more than anything, that makes me realise that this situation has to change. I owe those who have helped this Kingdom survive a debt, we all do. No longer can we hide behind this fear of magic and use it as a weapon to attack those who possess it,"
"I don't know what to say," Lord Oakes said,
"I would be grateful for your loyalty and assistance in righting this wrong Lord Oakes. We need every able person to work on a new Accord. One which will bound all the peoples of this great Kingdom together, enabling us to grow as one. We have been divided enough through these past years, now is the time to come together in peace and unity. Then we can unite with the other Kingdoms and Albion can become a reality,"
"You didn't have to ask me of all people," Lord Oakes admitted, "I have indeed been a menace to you on occasion and to Merlin,"
"I can assure you Lord Oakes I bear no ill feelings," Merlin assured him, "All I would like is to move forward and work with the non-magical community as well as my own kind. This Kingdom will face many challenges up ahead, we need to speak with one voice now,"
Lord Oakes nodded, "I will do what I can. Can I ask for a couple of requests?"
"Go ahead," Arthur encouraged.
"I would like my nephew Franik to attend the meetings with me and attend in my place when I cannot," Lord Oakes said,
"I have no objection to that," Arthur conceded.
"I would also like to re-read the old Accord, as I fear I have forgotten much that we put on it,"
"That can certainly be arranged, we can look at it together," Lord Blake assured him. "What about tomorrow?"
"Yes, if that is okay with everyone," Lord Oakes replied.
Merlin nodded catching Gaius's shining eyes across the table. He felt the same emotion in his own as he realised just what a breakthrough it had been.
"Thank you, Lord Oakes." Arthur smiled. "In fact, my thanks go to all of you. You have all served this fine Kingdom with honour and loyalty and I am grateful to every one of you. I suggest we call this to a halt now that we have reached agreement. Tomorrow will be the day we all work to bring forward the changes we need to implement. This has been an historic day, I suggest we all go and get some rest before the real work begins,"
Merlin waited behind with Gaius and Arthur, once the two Lord's had left, he sighed with relief.
"I want to thank you Merlin for being so honest today. You didn't have to mention some of what you did, though maybe that changed the tide," Arthur smiled, "I also need to thank Gaius for stepping in when you did. I don't think I could have explained that Prophecy again," Arthur admitted,
"I think it may have made an impression," Gaius admitted,
"I thought Lord Oakes was going to faint when he heard. I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing," Merlin said with a smile.
"I have asked you for honesty," Arthur said, "So, I suppose you couldn't really do anything else,"
"If you don't mind I would like to go and see Alice." Gaius said, "I wanted to thank you for letting her come back Arthur,"
"The more I hear about her the more I know it was the right thing to do," Arthur replied, "You go ahead Gaius,"
Merlin started to follow Gaius out of the room feeling suddenly tired, but Arthur's stopped him.
"Merlin, Guinevere wanted to speak to you," he said,
"Now?" Merlin asked, surprised by the timing. He then saw a cryptic look on Arthur's face and then it all became clear. "Of course, you want Gaius to have a bit of time with Alice,"
"Partly, though Guinevere does want to speak to you," Arthur said, "It won't do any harm to let Gaius and Alice have a bit of privacy though,"
Merlin followed Arthur down the corridor wondering where he was going to sleep now. He assumed that Gaius would want Alice with him. But he realised he needed to make his own plans now. With Alice back, he knew she could help Gaius with the potions as well as work on the new Accord with him. He realised that everything was about to change for them all.
"Merlin, it feels like a while since I've seen you," Guinevere smiled,
"Likewise. I think now would be a good time to thank you for all your help," Merlin said, "I know you have done a lot behind the scenes,"
"I need to thank you for keeping Arthur safe, say nothing of the Kingdom." She replied,
"It is my destiny to protect Camelot and everyone. I assure you both I will continue to do that night and day," Merlin said, a sudden emotion in his voice.
"Oh Merlin," Guinevere replied, going over to him and giving him a hug. "Why don't you sit down I want to talk to you about something,"
"Oh yes," Merlin said, feeling self-conscious, "Arthur said something about that,"
"I need to tell you, over the last few months I have been writing to your mother," Guinevere began,
"Right, she is okay?" Merlin said, feeling a little bit apprehensive
"She is fine you don't need to worry. But I was a little bit concerned that she was hiding her true feelings on one or two things,"
"Yes, now you mention it that was the impression I had as well. I think she was putting a brave face on things when I was there," Merlin agreed,
"Well, to cut a long story short. I found out that she was struggling to cope on her own somewhat especially in the winter. You how cold it gets in Ealdor. So, I have invited her to stay in Camelot for as long as wants,"
"Really?" Merlin asked, feeling happy and relieved. "Thank you for this, it will be a load off my mind. I did wonder as to when I would next see her. I'll be busy with the Accord obviously,"
"Everything went well?" Guinevere asked,
"Yes, Lord Oakes has agreed to help us," Merlin smiled,
"That is good news then," Guinevere said, "I have asked the Knights to accompany your mother back to Camelot. Hopefully she will arrive tomorrow,"
"That's wonderful," Merlin said, "I was wondering, now Alice is with Gaius as to where I should stay,"
"In the circumstances," Arthur said, "I suggest with your new title that you should get a room all of your own now,"
"Right," Merlin said, "Sorry, did you say title?"
"Yes," Arthur said, "I forget to say before so I had better confirm it now. I intend to make you the Court Sorcerer of Camelot,"
"What?" Merlin replied, looking in shock at both Arthur and Guinevere.
"I hope this isn't going to become a habit Merlin," Arthur said,
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked, confused,
"Acting all stupid, when you can't answer me," Arthur replied,
"Well, maybe if you had told me first I wouldn't be so shocked now," Merlin prompted, in exasperation.
"Anyone with half a brain would already have worked it out anyway," Arthur murmured,
"Half a brain you say?" Merlin replied, "If you think I'm so brainless why are appointing me anyway you prat!"
Guinevere sighed, "It would appear your relationship is getting back to normal with all this bantering. I will leave you too it,"
Arthur laughed, "It appears it is,"
"I suppose so," Merlin agreed with a smile, "Are you sure about all of this?"
"I have never been more certain of anything Merlin. I think you have earned this title with your loyalty and service. I will announce it tomorrow officially at a meeting of the Round Table. You will naturally attend," Arthur said,
"Of course. Thank you, Arthur for this, I promise I won't let you down," Merlin said, "I'd better get my stuff from Gaius,"
"I know you won't let me down Merlin. You have proved that over all this process. I couldn't hope for a truer friend. Go on, I suggest you take The Pendragon Suite for now, until we officially sort out a proper room for you,"
"Thanks, I will see you in the morning then. Good night," Merlin said, feeling surreal.
As he walked over to Gaius's room Merlin felt as if he was in a dream world. Here he was a boy from a little country town now Camelot's official Court Sorcerer. He wanted to scream it from the roof tops, but decided he had best keep it quiet for now. He knocked on Gaius's door, walking through it carefully. Alice and Gaius were working away on a potion.
"I might have known I would catch you two working," Merlin smiled, "I am so pleased to meet you again Alice,"
"Thank you so much for inviting me back to Camelot, after everything that happened you didn't have too," Alice said,
"That is in the past. The only thing that matters is the future. I am starting this magic group I hope you will sit on it and play your part in creating a new Accord," Merlin said,
"Of course, Merlin, it will be an honour," Alice beamed, "Did everything go all right with Arthur?"
"It did thank you. In fact, I am going to let you two into a secret. I have been made the new Court Sorcerer of Camelot," Merlin grinned,
"Oh, my boy, that is splendid news," Gaius said, hugging him.
"Congratulations Merlin," Alice smiled, "You deserve it, I will do everything I can to help you,"
"Thank you both of you. It will be announced officially tomorrow, so I suggest until then we all stay quiet. Otherwise he will probably kill me before my first day,"
"He won't hear from us," Gaius assured him.
"Arthur has given me the Pendragon Suite tonight until I get some official quarters of my own. So, I will pack a few things and leave you." Merlin said, running up to his room. Once he put a few things in his bag he came back down.
"I feel a little bad that you are being forced to leave here," Alice admitted, "I take it thought the Pendragon Suite is rather grand?"
"Oh yes, I have had endless days of cleaning it in the past. In fact, I seem to remember it has a draft coming from one of the windows. Trust him to give me that room," Merlin made a face,
"Merlin," Gaius laughed, "I don't think you are in a position to be too critical of Arthur,"
Merlin laughed, "I suppose not. Oh yes, my mother is coming to stay. She should arrive tomorrow. It is all change,"
"Hunith, that is wonderful news. I will look forward to seeing her. You had better go and get some rest before you fall down," Gaius suggested,
"Yes, I am a bit tired," Merlin smiled, "I will see you in the morning,"
"Good night, Court Sorcerer," Gaius beamed.
Merlin couldn't help but smile as he walked over to his new room. As he opened the door he took a few moments to take in the scene. It still seemed completely surreal to him, yet somehow a natural step as well. Tomorrow would be the start of a new era for him, suddenly he was restless for the morning to arrive, so he could get started. From the moment he lay down, sleep engulfed him.