Author's note: Hello, my dear readers. I am sorry for the lateness. I was hit by a minor writer's block. Hence the delay. But I think this gigantic chapter will compensate for the delay. Thanks to all of those who has reviewed, followed and favourited my story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, Dark souls, The Elder Scrolls, LOTR or Game of Thrones. You might wonder why I am talking about all these universes. Truth is I have borrowed many names from them for my story. So, I included them in my disclaimer. Just to be on the safe side.
Okay. Enough with my rambling. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you Chapter 25 of my story. Really? I have written that much. All thanks goes to you guys. It wouldn't have been possible without your continuous support.
Chapter 25
Redemption, Allies and Enemies
One year and one month.
Gaius had counted. He had counted and waited. Waited for the young man who had become a son to him. A person with tremendous power and yet, with a gentle soul. He had come to him as a young boy nine years ago.He had taken him in, watched him grow up before his eyes into a man, a man full of kindness and compassion.
Gaius had been proud. He had been so proud of that man. His boy. His Merlin. He had never had any child. But he knew Merlin was his son in everything but blood. And just when he had been thinking the time of prophecy was at last on the horizon. Everything had gone totally wrong.
He would always remember that day when a somber Percival came to him giving him the news that Merlin was accused of sorcery and was imprisoned in the cell of the dragonlords under order of Arthur.
( Flashback )
At first, Gaius thought that Percival was joking with him. Why would Arthur, the king of Camelot, Merlin's best friend would order his ward to be put in jail. He laughed at the giant knight's words.
But then Percival sat down and explained everything that happened during the army's assault on Dunwall. While the knight was speaking, Gaius's facial expression was changing every minute.
At first, it was horror. After that, his expression slowly morphed into anger and finally into sadness.
When the knight finished his story, Gaius just sat on his chair without saying anything for a long time. His eyes were distant and he remained quiet for so long that Percival was begining to worry that the old physician had gone into shock.
After a while, the old man's eyes became focused again. He looked at Percival again and asked his first question, " Where is Gwaine? "
Truth be told, the physician was surprised that it was Percival who brought him the news. He had always thought that the rogue knight was his boy's closet friend.
" Gwaine is also in the dungeons. "
The old physician's head snapped up hearing the knight.
" Why? " He asked.
" He tried to stop Arthur. "
" Oh. " Gaius sat on his chair motionlessly for a long time.
Seeing that the physician was not giving him any response, Percival was going to speak but he was stopped by Gaius.
" Please, Percival. I just want to be alone. Please just leave me be. "
The knight left the physician's chambers sensing that the old man was clearly in so much pain and wanted to be left alone.
When the door of his chamber finally closed with a thud, Gaius heaved a deep sigh. Thousands emotions were whirling inside his mind. He felt angry that Arthur, of all people had imprisoned his ward. He felt regret that he hadn't helped Morgana when she needed it. He had almost no doubt that Morgana was the one who plotted this to capture Merlin, to capture Emrys. He felt stupid that he, like all others except Merlin had failed to see through Mordred's honeyed words. He felt scared thinking that Arthur was behaving too much like Uther.
He was scared for his ward- no, for his son's safety. Uther had been almost mad when he had lost Ygraine. Although Gaius had always believed that Arthur had been hundred times better than Uther. But he was not so sure now.
If he knew one thing about the Pendragons, that was they were all very hot headed. Who knew what Arthur would do to his ward? And of course, Merlin wouldn't lift a finger to protect himself. He cared too much for Arthur to hurt him.
But among all these emotions and thoughts, he felt one emotion swirling in his heart more than any other.
It was deep sadness and pain. Before Merlin, his life was hollow. He was just an old man helping people as much as he could. He was like a battered ship floating in the midst of an ocean waiting without knowing where to go. He was a man without purpose. An old man waiting to die.
And then, Merlin came. He was a spark of light in the twilight years of his life. That cheerful boy brought happiness back in his life. He gave the old physician a purpose in his life. That young boy made Gaius feel alive again. Now, that his Merlin, his boy, his son was taken away from him, what was he if not a dead man?
The age-old physician suddenly felt one thousand years old. He felt weary and tired of his life. He closed his eyes in despair.
Silent tears of grief and anguish began to trickle down his face.
( Flashback end )
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
In the end, Arthur hadn't killed Merlin. Truth be told, he hadn't got the chance to kill Merlin. Merlin had left Camelot with the Fisher King or so Gaius was told by Gwen.
At first, Gaius felt sad and sometimes, a little angry that his ward had left without saying any goodbye.
But then as the time passed, he understood why Merlin had done it. His ward had already been struck with so much pain that he hadn't wanted to feel anymore by coming to say goodbye.
He said that he had hated goodbye and after some days, Gaius understood what he really meant. There is never anything good in goodbyes. It always brought pain and a sound of finality and end. Merlin didn't want that and Gaius would always respect that.
Instead, Gaius waited. He waited for words from his ward. The physician didn't know where Merlin was. But he could guess that the warlock was in Perilous lands. What he was doing there, Gaius had no idea.
Then, after six months since Merlin's departure, news came. His ward's news came and it came from the unlikeliest of the source. It came from the future crown prince of Camelot, Arthur's son, Prince Aren.
( Flashback Start )
Yesterday was Prince Aren's fourth birthday. Many people had come to attend the prince's birthday. Gaius had heard that nobles and kings of various kingdoms allied with Camelot had gathered to join the celebration.
But Gaius hadn't joined in the celebration. Because it would have been too much painful for him. Aren was the person whom Merlin loved most. And in the previous years' celebrations, Merlin always had been a centerpiece.
But this year, it had been different. Merlin was not here.
That's why, Gaius hadn't joined in the party. Rather, he stayed in his chamber, training his new apprentice in the art of healing.
He had hired the youngest son of the city herbalist to pass on his knowledge of medicine.
So far, the boy whose name was Henry was keen to learn. In fact, he learned faster than Merlin. A natural learner in the art of medicine.
That boy respected Gaius, was sharing room with him, eating food with him. But he couldn't fill the void that was created when Merlin left.
Because he didn't hug him when he was happy. He didn't cry on his shoulder when he was sad. He didn't put blanket over Gaius's frail body in the middle of the night using magic. Because he wasn't Merlin. He wasn't his son.
And now six months had passed and still he hadn't got any news from Merlin. Who knew what he was doing? Where he was staying? He didn't even know if he was alright.
He was thinking about these things after the day of Aren's birthday. Then, something unexpected happened.
BAM!
Gaius almost jumped in surprise when his chamber's door opened with a loud sound without any warning.
" Grandpa! "
At was Aren. Gaius smiled at the prince. That young boy was always full of so much energy. It reminded him of Merlin. And he always loved it when Aren called him grandpa. It reminded him that he still had a family in Camelot.
" Slow down, Aren. We don't want to give grandpa Gaius a heart attack now, do we? "
Gwen was just behind Aren. She closed the door gently after her entrance.
" But I can't wait to tell grandpa about my adventure. " Aren said looking at his mother. He was literally jumping up and down in excitement. Gwen gave his son a fond smile.
She dragged a chair in front of Gaius and sat. Aren came near Gwen and sat on her lap. Gaius was seeing all this with a quizzical look on his face. When the queen and her son settled down. The physician raised his infamous eyebrow giving a questioning look to the royals.
It was Gwen who talked first. " Last night, Aren had gone somewhere. I didn't know about it before this morning. Apparently, Aren told Arthur about this. But Arthur is refusing to talk with me about this. He looks very upset.
So, I asked Aren about this. But he... "
" But I wanted to tell you first, grandpa. You were so worried about him. " Aren said to Gaius cutting off his mother.
Him! Who was Aren talking about? Gaius thought.
" Who is ' he ', Aren? What are you talking about? " Gwen voiced Gaius's thought.
Gaius's heart skipped a bit when he heard Aren's answer.
" Uncle Merlin, of course. "
Amd then, Aren started his tale without giving Gaius or his mother any chance to say anything.
Neither Gaius nor Gwen said anything while Aren recounted his last night's adventure. It was an amazing story. Almost like a fairy tale. Aren told them about how he met his uncle and his new aunt, Freya the Pale Lady.
Gwen was both surprised and happy when she heard that Merlin had married while Gaius was smiling lightly thinking about the day when he had first met Freya. It was the day after Merlin cured Freya of her curse. Gaius had realized at first sight that his ward was clearly in love with that Druid girl.
But at the same time, he had known that it would be impossible for his ward to be with that girl right under Uther's nose. So, Merlin took Freya to Iseldir's camp and bade her goodbye with a broken heart.
Gaius had never seen his ward so broken after Freya's departure. He had barely talked and ate for a month. He had stopped smiling and cried in silence when he thought that no one was looking.
During that month, Gaius's heart was shredded in pieces seeing his ward so distressed. He knew what it was like to be parted from one's loved ones. And he would never wish that upon his worst enemy let alone his beloved ward.
Now it seemed his ward was finally together with his beloved Freya. Gaius was beyond happy hearing the news. At last, fate was becoming kind to his ward.
Meanwhile, Aren didn't stop telling his story. He said how Freya and Merlin turned into a Pegasus and a dragon respectively.
Both Gwen and Gaius's jaw dropped hearing this. Gaius was having a hard time believing what Aren was saying. Turning into a creature of magic was deemed impossible for centuries. Legends say that warlocks and witches of old times had been able to do it. But such talent was not heard in almost four centuries. Even the High Priestesses and the Apostles of the triple goddess hadn't had enough talent and power to turn into a creature of magic.
But then Gaius remembered something. Merlin was Emrys. The greatest warlock to ever walk on this land and his blood and magic was also running through Freya's veins. So, if anyone could turn into a creature of magic, it would be Merlin and Freya.
Aren was continuing his story. He was now telling them about his flight. Gwen was at first horrified when she heard that Aren flew on a Pegasus and a dragon last night.
" Weren't you scared? " Gwen asked.
" Why? Uncle and aunt had said that they would not let me fall. I trusted them. " Aren said giving a mischievous
Gaius couldn't help giving a fond smile to the prince. Aren's blind faith on Merlin was always endearing. Gaius only wished if Arthur had that much faith on his ward.
When Aren finished his tale, Gaius let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
" That's a wonderful adventure, Aren. Only I wish I had seen Merlin and your aunt. " Gwen said beaming a sad smile.
" Uncle said he would come again when I will have a cousin. "
Gwen and Gaius both at first didn't understand Aren but soon they realized.
" I am going to be an aunt. " Gwen squealed in delight while Gaius began to grin ear to ear.
( Flashback End )
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Gaius smiled thinking about the queen's reaction when she learned that Merlin was going to be a father.
Gaius was also happy for his ward. Aren's words put his old mind to rest. Aren's story had confirmed that Merlin had been doing well.
The physician was happy for Merlin. He had moved on. He had overcome the grief that Arthur had given him. But still, Aren hadn't given them a clue where Merlin was.
One month ago, Aren had vanished in the middle of the night from the royal chambers. Gwen and Arthur were both worried. The whole city had been put on alert and Gaius had been informed immediately.
But three hours later, Aren reappeared in the royal chamber just like he had vanished earlier.
When Arthur and Gwen asked the prince where he had been, the prince replied that uncle Merlin had summoned him to see his uncle's newly born son named Reymer.
Gwen and Arthur both had failed to get any significant information about Merlin by interrogating Aren.
" Uncle said you will see him when it will be necessary. " That had been the only thing that had come out of Aren's mouth when he was asked about Merlin's whereabouts.
Gaius had chuckled hearing the prince's reply.
' Merlin is becoming cryptic just like his kin. ' He had thought.
Gwen and had been disappointed that only Aren had got the chance to see Merlin's son while Arthur had said nothing. He had just remained silent without letting any emotion slip past his mask of indifference.
Gaius had wondered what Arthur had been thinking. It was true that after hearing how Merlin had sacrificed so much for the king and the kingdom, Arthur had become much tolerant on magical people. Persecution on the Druid people had finally stopped. But the ban on magic was still effective.
Arthur changed very much after Merlin had left. He talked less and less with each passing day. He barely smiled these days. But that didn't mean he was ignoring his royal duties. In fact, he was doing his job as a king very well and Gaius was becoming proud of him more and more as the days turned into weeks and then months.
The king would come to the physician every Saturday morning alone and would ask for a story about Merlin's adventures. The king would listen to the old physician attentively without uttering a single word and would leave when the tale was over without asking a single question.
The same thing had been going on throughout the last year. It had become a weekly occurrence for the king and the physician. To say that the physician was surprised to see Arthur's weird would be a very understatement.
He thought that Arthur would flood him with numerous questions but the young king never questioned, he only listened. The only reaction from Arthur that Gaius had seen during all those story-telling was a hint of anger in his eyes while Gaius was telling him about the real happenings during the dragon attack and the illusion of Ygraine Pendragon.
But those angry expressions were soon replaced with the same mask of indifference by the time the stories was over.
Gaius had no clue what was going on through the young king's head. The old man was getting worried that the king might be becoming mentally sick gradually. But as Camelot was faring well and Gwen urged Gaius to stop worrying, the physician didn't say anything to the king.
Meanwhile, the economy of the kingdom was booming. Camelot's alliance with Caerleon, Cornwall, Deorham, Nemeth, Kent, Gawant, Anglia and Essetir had made the kingdom a gathering place for the merchants throughout all southern Albion. As a result, coins had begun to flow through Camelot like river water.
The kingdom of Camelot had never been such prosperous like it had become in the last year. To Gaius, it seemed that the time of prophecy had already come. The southern lands had already been unified under Camelot's red banner. Peace was reigning throughout the land.
But the prophecy said that all of Albion would be united; not just her southern parts under the leadership of the once and future king and Emrys. Gaius knew that the prophecy wouldn't come without his ward's help. And if Merlin remained silent and elusive, Gaius knew that peace wouldn't reign in Albion for much longer as trouble was already brewing in north.
The kings of Amata, North Umbria and Mercia had broken all contacts with Camelot. Amatan army had annexed Deira and Mercia had blocked the trade route that connected the northern kingdoms with Camelot. Thus Camelot and the rest of the south was disconnected from north.
Peculiar news were coming from northern plains as the inhabitants of those lands reported the dead forest of perilous lands was suddenly coming back to life and everyday many Druids were vanishing inside the woods of perilous lands.
Gaius could sense that something was happening inside Perilous Lands. He had no idea what it was. But that changed when the king of Rheged and Bernicia arrived in Camelot with trade caravans from their respective kingdoms.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
' All I know, my lord is that no one would sacrifice more for Camelot or you than Gwen. '
When Mithian had come to Camelot for the first time, Arthur had been almost ready to marry the princess. But deep down, he always knew that he couldn't stop loving Gwen. He couldn't understand how he could love someone who had betrayed him. He was at a loss what to do. So, when Arthur had asked, " What shall I do, Merlin? " that's the answer Merlin had given to him almost five years ago.
And those same words were whirling inside Arthur while he had listened to Gaius recounting Merlin's lonely job as the guardian of Camelot. After hearing those stories, Arthur couldn't help disagreeing with Merlin.
Yes, Gwen had suffered when Arthur had banished her although she and Lancelot were both innocent. ( Gaius had described the entire shade incident to him which made Arthur feel guilty for what he had done to his beloved )
But...
Gwen's sufferings were nothing compared to what Merlin had endured throughout the eight years he had been under his service.
With each stories, Arthur had begun to understand just how much his friend had sacrificed for his kingdom; more than any knights of Camelot; more than himself. And he had claimed no glory for what he had done always keeping himself in the shadows. In return what Arthur had given his best friend?
To Arthur's utter shame, he had realized that he had given his friend nothing but insult, more hard work, betrayal, torture and humiliation. He had called his best friend ' just a servant ' while in truth, he had been the true protector of the realm.
The king of Camelot now knew that he had owed everything to Merlin. His life, his throne, his queen, his kingdom. Everything.
He now knew why Merlin had so much faith in him. His friend had always believed in him; trusted him to be the greatest king Albion will ever know.
Arthur had promised to himself that he would try his best to become the king Merlin had wanted him to be. And it seemed the providence was also by his side. He had called a peace conference between the kings of five kingdoms and the other minor kingdoms of Southern Albion four months ago.
The conference had been largely successful. Every rulers accepted his proposal of peace, alliance and mutual trade relations. ( King Alined and Odin had not been very happy about the agreement but they had agreed in the end )
This diplomatic success had made Camelot the beacon of peace and prosperity in the southern Albion.
The ban on magic was only partially effective now and Arthur had stopped persecuting the Druids just as he had promised five years ago. He was planning on completely removing the ban soon and reinstate the laws concerning magic which had existed before the great purge.
For now, only healing magic was accepted in Camelot and it happened rather suddenly. Arthur would always remember the day when a knight dragged the royal cartographer's apprentice accusing her of using magic on the blacksmith's apprentice.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
( Flashback Start )
The council meeting was boring as usual. It was even worse than the past as Merlin was not there to lighten Arthur's mood.
The king's face darkened thinking that he didn't know just how much he needed his friend before he had left. Right now, the councilors were discussing about a petty land dispute between two lords near the white mountain.
Arthur muffled his yawn with the back of his right hand. He was sure that if the council didn't end soon, he would fall asleep any time.
Right then, the council chamber's door opened with a loud bang and Sir Jamie, one of his father's most faithful knights entered the chamber dragging the Royal Cartographer's twelve year old apprentice, Arya behind him. The young girl was crying loudly.
Sir Jamie looked very smug and proud as if he had slain a dragon.
" Sir Jamie, what is the meaning of this? " King Arthur asked the knight.
" Sire, this wretched girl was seen using magic on the Royal Blacksmith's apprentice, Gendry by one of our guard. " The knight answered with a look of pure disgust on his face.
Arthur said nothing for a short time. The councilors looked at him expecting to see what the king's verdict was.
To everyone's surprise, Arthur shouted, " Everyone except the members of the round table, Sir Jamie and Arya leave this chamber. NOW! "
The councilors didn't need to be told twice. When they left the chamber, Arthur came near Arya, put a comforting hand on her shoulder and asked, " What kind of magic did you use, Arya? "
The young girl was shaking in fear and was unable to speak anything. Seeing this, Guinevere stood up from her seat and hugged the shaking girl while whispering soothingly in her ear. When she stopped shaking, she looked up at the king.
" Can you tell us now? " Arthur asked with a smile.
" I swear, sire. I didn't harm Gendry. He is a good friend of mine. This morning a crucible full of melted iron fell on his left arm. He was burned badly. He was in so much pain. " Guinevere smiled fondly at Arya's words.
It was a common knowledge among the castle staff that Arya had a crush on the seventeen year old blacksmith. Meanwhile, Arya continued speaking with a shaky voice.
" I happened to be near the blacksmith's forge when it happened. I was pouring water on his wound when it happened, sire. " Her voice hitched there. Arthur squeezed her shoulder gently giving the girl courage to continue.
" I was pouring water on his arm and while doing it, my hand brushed against his. Then,... " She stopped abruptly.
" Yes? " Arthur asked.
" I don't know, sire. His arm suddenly began to glow. I felt something was coming out of my hand and it was entering in his arm. When the glowing stopped, his arm was good as new. I don't know what happened , sire but I swear it was an accident. "
Arya was still shaking. Both Arthur and Guinevere could see that the girl was confused and scared.
" You did magic, witch. That's what happened. You are going to burn for your crime. " Sir Jamie snarled and Arya visibly paled hearing the knight's words.
" Enough, Sir Jamie. I expect my knights to protect the helpless, not terrorize little children. Go to your chambers and stay there. " Arthur said angrily.
" But sire, that girl is a witch. Your father... " The knights didn't get the chance to finish the sentence as the king cut in.
" ... is dead. I am the king now. I make the law now. Not my dead father. If I hear one more word against this girl, it's going to be your head on the executioner's block. Is that understood? "
Sir Jamie's jaw dropped hearing the king. But he knew it would be futile to oppose the king. So, he just nodded and left the chamber.
After Jamie's departure, Arthur looked at Gaius and asked, " Gaius, what do you make of this? "
The old physician stood up. " It looks like Arya has a natural talent as a healer. Before the purge, many girls and boys could be found across Albion showing this kind of talent at an early age. But now they are thought as almost extinct. "
Heaving a deep sigh, the physician continued, " Druids are expert in healing arts. But they need incantations and catalysts to do that. What Arya has done is elemental. It reminds me... " Gaius stopped there thinking if he should finish his sentence.
" It reminds you of what, Gaius? " Gwaine asked.
" Well, it reminds me of Merlin's magic. " The king's heart skipped a bit hearing his best friend's name again. But he said nothing. He looked at the girl. She still looked terrified. A hint of desperation and dread was in her eyes.
' Did Merlin look the same when my knights tortured him knowing that I had betrayed him. ' Arthur thought while trying his best to stop the tears that were welling up in his eyes. He turned his back on the people in the room to hide his tears.
" Percival, Gwaine, Leon. " Arthur said in a commanding voice without turning his back.
" Yes, sire. " The said knights said in unison.
" Gather the city people in the courtyard. "
" At once, sire. " The knights left the chambers saying this and giving a bow to their ruler.
Arthur looked back at the remaining occupants of the room. He smiled sadly at his queen and she smiled back realizing what was going through the king's mind.
" Are you going to kill me, sire? " Arya asked with a shaky voice.
Arthur was startled hearing the question. He looked at the girl standing before her but he was not seeing Arya. He was seeing Merlin holding his son after rescuing him while looking at the king with pleading eyes.
' Please, Arthur. I can explain. '
Arthur blinked and shook his head. Arya was standing before him with pleading eyes.
' Oh! It's just my imagination. ' He thought.
" Sire, please. I won't do magic again. I beg for your mercy. " Arya began to cry again.
Arthur quickly came near Arya and to everyone's surprise, the king hugged the cartographer's apprentice while whispering in her ear.
" It's going to alright. It's going to be alright. "
...
Many people were gathered in the courtyard. Arthur guessed nearly three quarters of the city's population were gathered. The king and queen came out of the entrance of the royal palace. Queen Guinevere was holding Prince Aren's hand while King Arthur was holding Arya's hand giving the terrified girl courage to move forward. The royal family was surrounded by the elite knights of the kingdom.
Traditionally, the royals used the balcony to deliver a speech to their people. But Arthur decided that they would speak this time standing on the stairs in front of the courtyard to show that the king and his subjects are equal not very different from each other.
King Arthur coughed clearing his throat and all the commotions died down. The people looked eagerly at their rulers waiting to hear what they had to say.
" People of Camelot. " The king began.
" Today we have all gathered here to pass judgment. On whom? You might ask that. " Arthur beaconed Arya to come forward. She obliged. " This girl, Arya Stark, apprentice to the royal cartographer Eddard Stark. She is the accused. " Arthur pointed at Arya and then looked back at the crowd. " What is her crime? Does anyone know? " Arthur asked but he didn't let the crowd answer. Rather he answered it himself.
" She saved a life. She saved Gendry Baratheon's life, apprentice to the royal blacksmith, Robert Baratheon. Earlier this morning he injured himself severely and the injury was so severe it could've taken his life if it was not treated properly. Luckily for him, Arya saved him using a method which is in Camelot considered highly unorthodox and highly treasonous. "
Arthur stopped a little and looked back at his wife. She was frowning. Arthur smiled at her realizing why she was doing it. After all, the way he was giving Arya a trail was also unorthodox. He continued again. " But in the end, this girl- " He pointed at Arya. " has saved a life. So, why was she accused?"
He looked at the crowd questioningly. " She used magic. " Suddenly someone from the crowd shouted. People began to look among themselves to find out who was the speaker. Soon the speaker emerged from the crowd pushing through the sea of people. He was a black haired teenage boy at the doorstep of adulthood.
Arthur smiled looking at the person. It was Gendry Baratheon. The person whose life Arya had saved. " She used magic to save me. " Gendry said again when he came face to face with the king.
" Ah Gendry! I was wondering where you were. You alright now? " Arthur asked.
" Yes, sire. Nothing but a burn mark remains on my hand now. Arya's magic have done wonders. " He raised his left arm to show the king. Some of the crowd gasped in wonder and some gasped in disgust and horror.
" Silence! " Arthur commanded and the murmuring stopped.
" Just like Gendry said, Arya used magic to save a life. I know you have lost so many at the hand of magic just like me. " Arthur said pointing his finger at himself.
" But today we have seen that magic can save life too. And I am sure there are plenty of people here old enough to remember that magic was used to heal people before my father started the great purge. "
Some of the older people began to murmur in agreement hearing Arthur's words.
Arthur waited for the commotion to settle down and then he continued. " What I am now going to say is one of the most closely guarded secret of Pendragon family. " Guinevere looked at Arthur with a deep frown thinking what secret that might be. But her thought was disrupted when Arthur spoke up again.
" Let me keep this short. My mother Ygraine Pendragon was barren. So, in order to produce an heir, my father consorted with the high priestess Nimueh. But in order to create a life, a life must be taken. So, when I was born, my mother's soul left her body as the price for my life. In short, I, Arthur Pendragon was born of magic. " Just as these words left his mouth, pandemonium broke out. All were talking loudly about what they had just heard. Arthur looked back at his knights and wife. All of them were gobsmacked just like the people of Camelot.
Arthur raised his hand again and ordered. " Silence. I demand silence. " This time not all people stopped talking but when the noise died down considerably, Arthur continued again as if nothing had happened.
" Blinded with the grief the loss of my mother had created, my father declared war against all kind of magic and thus began the great purge. "
Arthur stopped talking for a moment giving the crowd time to digest what they had just heard. Then, Arthur started talking again. " My father may be right about many thing but not about magic. He believed that all magic is evil. But it can't be after what we have seen today. All magic can't be evil. It's not magic that's evil, it's those people who use magic for evil. " He looked back at Gaius who was standing a little behind the royals. Silent tears of joy were falling from his eyes.
" So, I, Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, the first king of my name and... " The king paused a little and then said, " The once and future king hereby decree that healing magic and only healing magic is now no longer officially banned. We can't let talents like Arya and other magical people go to waste. "
Arthur grabbed Guinevere's hand and raised it.
" This day, we're entering into a new age of peace and tolerance. So that, we may all live side by side in peace. "
Guinevere beamed a proud smile towards her husband. Aren was grinning wildly while Arya was crying vigorously while Gendry held her tightly and rubbing getly on her back.
" Long live the king. " Leon shouted. The other knights began to chant unison. Soon, the entire crowd except some stubborn people of a bygone era began chanting.
" Long live the king.
Long live the king.
Long live the king. "
( Flashback End )
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Arthur would always remember that day until the last breath leaves his body and he was very proud of himself that he had at last begun to break the circle prejudice and hatred that was plaguing the people of Camelot's mind for three decades. A circle in which he, himself was entangled. People are still wary of even healing magic.
Still, Arthur believed that in time , people would begin to accept magic as a part of their life. It would take time, he knew that. But he would free magic in his kingdom. It was the least he could do for his friend's kin who had sacrificed his life, limb and soul for his and Camelot's safety. His only regret was that his friend was not beside him to share this happiness with him.
Although this was not his primary concern now as the situation near Camelot's northern frontier was becoming very troubling. King Bayerd of Mercia, King Eldred of North Umbria and the new king of Amata, Sauron declared themselves allies and publicly denounced Camelot for Arthur's leniency over the Druid people. The Amatans had tried to force Deira into their alliance. The king of Deira refused and The Northern alliance invaded Deira, captured the kingdom's capital and razed the city to the ground sparing no citizens alive except the marshal of the city who came to Camelot bearing the grim news.
The kings and queens of south were furious hearing the news. Alined openly blamed Arthur saying that none of this would have happened if he hadn't been so lenient on The Druid people.
But Queen Annis, Queen Mithian, Queen Elena, ( Both of their fathers had died a few months ago ) King Lot, King Olaf and even King Odin supported Arthur's stance concerning Druid people. At the same time, they voiced that the heinous crime of the northern alliance couldn't go unpunished.
Camelot's allies were pushing Arthur to invade North to each them a lesson. But the deed was easier said than done. North Albion was a cold and harsh place. And no invasion would become successful if the army can't attack form a permanent base from north.
At first, he thought that Rheged's king Urien whose father was a long time ally of Camelot would let his kingdom to be the base for the invasion on Amata, Mercia and North Umbria. But that was no longer an option as Mercia blocked the narrow road at the foot of the Jerall mountains that linked Rheged with Camelot.
Also he couldn't ignore the peculiar disappearance of the Druid people near the suddenly revived woods of perilous lands. All in all, Arthur was sure that if he didn't do anything quickly, his dream for a peaceful Albion would soon shatter into pieces.
Again, it seemed fate was on his side. Because only three months after Mercia had started blocking the route to Rheged, the king of Rheged and Bernicia from northern Albion arrived in Camelot with trade caravans from their respective kingdoms.
And with them, they brought some information that would change Arthur's life and Albion's fate forever.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
When Arthur had first heard that the kings of Rheged and Bernicia had arrived in Camelot, he had one thought in his mind.
' How is this possible? '
He was very eager to learn the answer of that question. So, after greeting the kings and giving them sufficient time to rest, he called a meeting of the round table with the two kings.
After exchanging some pleasantries, Arthur jumped right into business. He asked the question which was bugging him for a while.
" How is this possible, my lords? "
" I am afraid I don't understand the question. " Said King James of Bernicia who was in his late thirties.
" I mean Mercia is blocking the only way that connect north with south. I know Mercia didn't lift the blockade. So, how did you get here, King Urien and King James. "
" Oh that? We came through the kingdom of Elmet. And please leave the titles behind. We're friends after all. " Urien, the young king of Rheged said.
" Elmet? " Arthur gave the two kings a questioning look.
" Haven't you people heard about the reinstated kingdom of Elmet at the heart of the newly revived Perilous woods? " King James asked with a look of surprise on his face.
" No. " Arthur said flatly. He couldn't understand what he was hearing.
A kingdom inside Perilous Woods? That's ridiculous.
" Well, that's strange. The King of Magic had made alliances with several kingdoms of north with the exception of North Umbria, Amata and Mercia. We thought he would do the same with the south as his kingdom is now considered as the gateway to the south among the northerners. " Urien said with a hint of confusion in his voice.
" The King of Magic? " Arthur was having hard time believing the two kings were saying to him.
" The king of Elmet. " James explained.
" He is a young and mighty sorcerer. His kingdom has become a hub for the magical people. Even our kingdom's magical people are going there to study magic more thoroughly. " Gaius suddenly began to fidget in his seat after hearing Urien's last words.
The old physician couldn't hold himself back. He cut in between the king's words and asked, " Can I ask a question, your majesty? "
" Of course, my good sir. " Urien responded cheerfully.
" This young king, " Gaius was at a loss of words.
" Yes? " Urien asked.
" Is he dark haired and blue eyed? "
Suddenly all of the Camelotians in the room became alert realizing what the old physician was trying to find out.
" Yes, that young man has very dark hair and a brilliant blue eyes. I am sure my daughter would've proposed him if he was a little younger and unmarried. But how do you know that? " King James said with an amused smile.
" Does he have high cheekbones? " Leon asked without answering the king.
" Yes. " King James said but this time he was a little confused.
" Is he slender and tall? " Percival asked.
" Taller and slimmer than king Arthur. No offence intended. " King Urien said looking at Arthur.
But Arthur didn't answer. His head was already spinning thinking about the person all these questions were pointing to.
" Are his ears ridiculously large? " Gwaine asked raising his hands near his ears to show the kings how large he meant.
" Is he someone you know? You seemed to know him better than us. Don't they, Urien? "
Urien nodded at James's question. " I agree. And yes, he has large ears. Not as large as you're indicating. But large enough. "
" Is his smile very charming? " Guinevere asked in an almost whisper.
" What did I say you? My daughter is besotted with the king. Of course, he has a charming smile. How do you think my daughter got attracted. " James said with a grin.
The last question was asked by Arthur Pendragon himself. " What's his name? " He asked with a very unkingly shaky voice.
" Why didn't you ask at first place? I am sure you know him seeing how much you know about him. " King Urien said and when he answered the question, the members of the round table knew for sure that their suspicion was correct. They couldn't voice their thoughts openly because thinking ' him' as the king of a secret kingdom was a possibility they had never thought of.
But King James's answer made that unthinkable thing a reality.
" The King of Magic's name is Merlin Ignotus Ambrosius. "
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
So, how do you people like it? Leave me a review, please. Pretty please with a cherry on top. I worked so hard on this chapter. I really want to know you people's thoughts. There will be virtual Willie Wonka chocolate bars for those who will review.
Anyway, I ship Gendry and Arya together in GOT. That's why I chose those names. Happy reading and have a nice day or night (Depending on where you are ) . Adios.
-Assassin of Syria.