I had half expected Merlin to grin in his normal idiotic way, or laugh as though nothing was important. But instead he just shrugged in an impartially sombre way, he was smiling but not in his normal happy-go-lucky style- this was a mere expression on his otherwise blank face; an acknowledgement of truth.

For when I had thought- in passing- a few moments ago of Merlin's power, I had no idea as to what extent he possessed. I guessed that he had plentiful magic but I really had no idea as to exactly how much.

"Merlin, how powerful are you?" I asked shrewdly. Getting straight to the point.

He blushed a deep crimson and looked away from me. Mumbling in such a quiet tone I almost didn't catch him, he whispered; "Very." and glanced up at me to see how I would take the news.

Well… I suppose I was shocked. But after all of the nights surprises this somehow didn't seem so bad- I mean when compared to him revealing his magic, or my father… Oh my! Father!

"Merlin, we must hurry. My father is sick- he is dying- and there is only one hope for him Please, I am begging you, save him." My voice almost cracked as I finished my pleas, I looked Merlin in the eye and saw his face; it was a battlefield of emotions, one minute sorrow ruled, then bitter hatred took the crown, only to be defeated by forgiveness a moment later. Eventually he returned my gaze and, without speaking, he gave one nod. A nod that filled me with glorious hope.

~oOo~


It was tricky thinking up a reason as to why I would be taking a prisoner from his cell, thankfully I had Merlin to help me 'persuade' Sir Galahad to let us pass. We crossed over his heavily snoring form on tiptoes, all the time Merlin quietly apologising- I thought this a bit foolish, but he told me that he didn't like using magic apart from in emergencies (which luckily he classed this as). Being with this new 'magical' Merlin was odd. He was rather like the old Merlin in many ways, except he no longer cowered as he entered my father's chambers. Instead he kept his head held high and walked with perfect deportment over to his bedside.

Merlin tutted at the sight that met his eyes; my father shivering with apparent cold, despite the beads of sweat that lay strewed on his wrinkled forehead. And it was as I stared at his restless form that I knew- I knew that he was no longer a young man, his hair was completely iron grey and his face was lined with battle scars and creases of age. His breath caught in his chest and when, eventually, his splutterings for air eased, the sound was hollow and wheezy. Like that of an old man, not the able bodied warrior that he once was.

The king opened his eyes when we grew nearer, "Arthur? I'm glad you are here, my son." his voice was barely above a whisper. "Morgana? Where is Morgana, Arthur?"

Could he not remember her betrayal? Her hatred? Or did he merely choose to forget? Whatever the reason I did not pry. I could not begrudge an ill man his happiness. "She will be here soon." I said. I hated myself for lying, yet I knew it was the only thing to do in these circumstances.

I knew then, and only then, that my father was not going to live for ever. To waste time wishing such childish and pointless things would be a fools errand. And I would not waste my time as such. It was time for me to step up to the mark and do what was right, not just for me but for all of Camelot. I would become the king that I hoped I could be, that Merlin and Gwen thought I could be.

Because the truth was, as I looked at my father, I saw that he was not long for this world. It wasn't the wrinkles or the grey hair or even the wheezy breath that told me that, it was something unnameable that seemed to linger in the air. A magic of sorts, but a type I had never come across before. It was death.

Merlin sighed. "Arthur," he whispered, breaking the silence "I think I'm too late, he's too far gone. There's nothing I can do."

No, I simply couldn't take it. After all the effort I had made to get Merlin here so that he could help… "Please try." I said. My voice was breaking, tears were sliding down my face quicker than I could wipe them away. This was my father. The man who raised me. The man I cared for and loved. "Just try…"

Merlin and Gaius exchanged an uneasy glance, then Merlin broke it and turned once more to the king. He raised his arms towards the heavens and began to chant strange new words. Each syllable was laced with more power than I thought possible, a bombardment of sheer magic in it's purest form. I suppose that was this new Merlin summed up; 'Sheer magic in it's purest form.'

Merlin's eyes flooded gold and swirly blue flames reached out towards my father. They caressed him gently, trying to bring him back from the brink. But to no avail. There was a second where I thought I heard his breathing, an echo of life sketched onto his features, or a twitch of his hand. But it was only my mind playing harsh tricks on me, Gaius checked his pulse and winced. He shook his head once and pulled up the bed sheets so that they covered my father's face.

And it suddenly began to pour, as the cruel reality finally hit me, tears pooled on my cheeks and cascaded from my chin, drenching my shirt in the process. Between my hands I peeked at Merlin, his eyes were shining but no tears had fallen as of yet. He saw me looking and smiled sadly back,

"I'm sorry that I couldn't-"

"-Please, don't worry. I know you did all that you could. I am very grateful Merlin. Truly I am."

Gaius moved over to the window and glanced out at the courtyard, I could see him from the corner or my eye just about. "Arthur," he called "I think you should see this." So I got up slowly and toddled over to his side, behind me Merlin followed. He gasped at the sight that met his eyes whereas I just stood in complete disbelief, staring as though my eyes were stuck open.

In the courtyard below there must have been well over two hundred people gathered. Each one was holding a white candle, and they stared up at the window where we were gawping down on them. They appeared to be waiting for me to give a sign, nervously I glanced around at Merlin and Gaius, they nodded supportively and I turned around again to face the people… my people?

What was I supposed to say? How could I sum up the tragic loss of my father in words that were not just garbled sorrow? Images of my father's last moments flooded my mind, his last words and my last lie. His struggle for air and Merlin's attempt at rescue. Then other memories joined the hoard; our argument earlier this evening, I couldn't even remember what it was about- probably something completely meaningless in the scale of it all.

When I was younger and I had just begun my training, my father presenting me with my first ever sword- a trusty wooden number- I remember seeing his face glow with pride.

And when I was declared crowned prince of Camelot, how he looked at me with his shining eyes. Eyes that would never again open or see the light of day.

I pushed away the memories and looked out of the window, all of a sudden I knew what to do. It was so simple;

I shook my head. Left, right then left again. And watched as the message sunk in.

Women burst out in tears, and even some men seemed to struggle in controlling their emotions. Candles were raised higher and prayers were whispered in their abundance, making the whole scene appear unearthly and mystical.

I opened the window with a click and leant out, I would no longer hide behind a sheet of glass.

"King Uther has passed away." I addressed the people, "He was suffering from long term damage caused by the Lady Morgana and I will not allow my father to die in vain. This traitor must pay for what damage she has created."

Down below in the courtyard, citizens of Camelot stewed in silence before erupting in scandalous rumours of Morgana. I waited for them to die down naturally and a few minutes later, I continued.

"For Camelot!" I shouted.

My words echoed as every man, woman and child repeated them in turn. The effect was truly astonishing. It marked the beginning of my reign in a spectacular fashion. I was honoured to be a part of this magnificent city and as God is my witness, I would try my hardest to be a good king. With Merlin at my side and magic in my heart, how could I fail?


Argh! I am SO sorry for the wait, my writers block got completely out of hand. It must have been so annoying for you all. Please accept my apologies.

I am considering writing an epilogue with the last few chapters in Merlin's POV, please let me know what you think about this.

Oh, and I have the faint outlines of a sequel beginning to appear in my mind. Again, if this interests you please let Me know : )

I was pleasantly surprised to hear that some of you would be interested in reading another story by me, I have begun work on it and will post when it is complete (I've learnt my lesson not to post anything that is unfinished!). For more information on that story please visit my profile.

Thank-you so much for getting this far, it means a lot :D


A big thank-you to:

bluesheepy, FiammaNoire, OOjuniperberry, The 10-11 Doctors, FireChildSlytherin5, Omnomnomagon (a mood board is like a collage :D), Sylvanara, Aurora89, NykSyBlue, , Catastros, NotQuiteBezerk, Windschatten69, Catherine Beverly, 1, laughsalot12, CrazyDaisy, BabyGlover, anonymous, hazelbunny, Megs, Wanda and last but certainly not least Merlin Fan

For all your wonderful reviews xxx

Thank-you also for everybody who put me on a alert, I'm very grateful xx