Disclaimer: I do not own 'Merlin'. I only own OC characters!

Please note, the Rating has changed: M for language & fight scenes.

A/N- Please note - You will still be able to follow this story without knowing the TV episodes.

Thank you so much everyone for your reviews, follows and favourites; maisyformerlin, Sam, saya659, OechsnerC, Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967 and Guest for your reviews! I really appreciate them and love to read them! They spur me on :) Thank you also to all of those who have added this story to their alerts or added it as a favourite!

I am introducing Morded in a different way to the TV show, in order to align with what I have planned. Hope you enjoy!

Thank you to my fantastic beta and AnotherWorld3111! :)

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Chapter 36: Departure

"It has already been two weeks since my failed plan. Something more must be done." Morgana paced the wooden shack, anger bubbling inside of her, ready to explode, "Something bigger."

"My Lady." A nervous servant crept into the room, shuffling on their knees, the dirt on the floor turning their skin even blacker.

"What?" Morgana turned, her eyes glinting dangerously, causing the servant to cower lower.

"My Lady, sorry to interrupt, but-" The servant bent their head lower towards the floor, "There is a druid here to see you."

"I am busy - how dare you interrupt me." Morgana raised her hand, ready to condemn the servant to a most definite death.

"I see you struggle to bring Camelot to its knees." A deep, masculine voice spoke out.

A figure stepped through the doorway, a hand shooing the servant away. Morgana snarled, her magic blasting forward, but it washed over the figure with ease.

"I favour an alternative method." The newcomer pulled their hood down, revealing dark eyes and a handsome face, "I know I can help you."

Morgana stood up straight and proud, "And how can you help me, druid."

"The prophecy." He replied simply.

She hissed, her exposed teeth bright, beautiful and terrifying in the dusky light, "What is your name?"

He smirked, "Mordred."

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"I fear something terrible is building, Merlin." Arthur paced his chambers, unease in his heart.

Merlin stood solemnly, "I agree."

"The expanse of quiet we have had – of peace! Then the curse on Aria… Morgana must be plotting something; I can feel it. It seems different to before, as if there is a chance she could win."

"That won't ever happen, sire."

I'll make sure of it.

"But, it could Merlin." Arthur turned to face his most trusted friend, "Will you promise me something?"

"There is no need for promises, Arthur."

"Merlin, please."

He nodded, causing the King to sign in relief, "If anything were to happen to me, please protect Gwen. Can you promise me?"

Merlin's eyes opened wide, "But Arthur-" He went to protest further but the look on Arthur's face stopped him, "Of course."

"I know that you and Aria will do whatever is within your power to look after her. I entrust her to you should anything happen. Please make sure she is safe."

"I will, I promise Arthur."

"Thank you." Arthur walked forward and laid a hand on Merlin's shoulder, "You are a true friend."

As the King walked away, Merlin couldn't help but also feel foreboding in his heart.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

The sun was setting over Camelot, casting a golden glow over the land. Mist rose in the far distance, giving everything and ethereal radiance. The last remaining villagers were finishing their daily tasks before heading home or to the inn. Aria looked out of her window and sighed, feeling envious that they had no idea what was about to happen. That history and myths of magic and blood would be told about the Kingdom they lived in. That Camelot would forever be remembered, mostly as a result of Merlin and Arthur's actions, this battle and the death of the King.

I don't want to lose this – my life, my husband, my friends… Morgana cannot destroy this. I won't let her. Ouch!

Aria gripped her head as pain seared through her mind. She rubbed her temples, hoping the pain would ease but knowing this had never truly helped before.

Alright, these are happening far too frequently now. Is it because everyone is feeling stressed about Morgana? I'll speak to Gaius about this later, no point adding more worry on Merlin.

Aria looked up at the sound of the chamber door closing. A haggard looking Merlin walked in, so she quickly walked over to him and gave him a hug.

"Has Nancy already been and gone?"

"Yes." Aria smiled, "It is rather late."

"Ah, of course." He sighed into her hair, "Sorry."

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"I spoke with Arthur earlier." He replied, his head resting on hers as he held her tightly around the waist.

"What did he say?"

Merlin sighed, "That he was worried about Morgana of course, and to look after Gwen if something were to happen to him."

"He asked you to look after Gwen?" Aria questioned, her eyebrow rising slightly.

"Yes." Merlin nodded, gently untangling himself from her and sitting on the bed, "It's as if he has already given up on winning this fight."

"He will never give up; this is Arthur remember." Aria sat down next to her husband, "Clear your mind Merlin, do not worry about this now."

Merlin relaxed beneath her touch, "I can't seem to switch my mind off."

"Does this help?" Aria gently leant into him, placing her lips on his neck.

Merlin groaned, enjoying the feeling of her soft lips against his skin.

"How about this?" Aria gently nibbled the lobe of his ear, her hot breath sending a sensual shudder through him.

She pushed him down so he was lying flat on the bed and swung her leg over him. Slowly she kissed down from his ear to the top of his collarbone, carefully nipping and licking as she went. Merlin gripped the bottom of her back tightly, whilst her hair fell like a waterfall on either side of his face. He turned his head to breathe in her scent.

"Y-yes, th-that helps." He managed to get out, enjoying the feelings that were flowing through him.

"Hmmm, how about this?" Aria began unbuttoning his white cotton shirt and kissing down his chest, relishing the feel of his muscular abs below her lips. She sighed as Merlin's hands rose up her back to pull her closer to him, his strong hands making her feel safe.

Aria finished unbuttoning his shirt and Merlin automatically lifted himself up from the bed slightly in order to pull it off and fling it away from him. Aria smiled down at her husband and ran her fingers along his muscular arms. Merlin watched entranced by her beauty.

"You are so beautiful." He almost whispered, "I still don't understand how I am so lucky."

"Perhaps it was magic." Aria grinned wickedly, winking at him.

Merlin did a mock offended face before pulling her quickly towards him, making her squeal. He brought her face down to his and captured her lips with his own. Aria sighed into the kiss, enjoying the feeling of their tongues entwined. She felt his magic begin to vibrate around them and she blushed at how he reacted to her being on top of him. She reached down and unbuttoned the clasp on his belt, before unthreading it from his trousers and throwing it aside. Her hands then reached up and ran through his hair, deepening the kiss even further.

She broke them apart after an age, "I think you are still wearing too many clothes, husband."

Merlin smiled and deftly undid his trousers, before dropping them on the floor in a heap, "I could say the same about you, wife."

Aria giggled as Merlin's hands reached up and undid the lace and bows tightening her dress at the back. His hands nimbly unbuttoned every clasp and button in sight, loosening her dress so that it fell forward seductively, showing her creamy white skin.

"So beautiful." He repeated, pulling her closer and running kisses along her collarbone.

Aria blushed as he slid the dress off her shoulders, "And you're very handsome."

She shrugged the dress off completely, so she was just in her silk undergarments – a present from the Queen, of course. Merlin moved further up the bed, gently pulling Aria with him, so they were both lying fully on top of the covers. Merlin carefully rolled on top of her, and ran his hands down her chest and stomach. She sighed in contentment and expectation as he expertly removed her undergarments and laid them on the floor besides the bed. Aria bit her lip in contemplation and gingerly moved her hand lower so she could feel him. He gasped and paused as she nervously moved her hand around him. She looked into his face and blushed at the clear emotion and enjoyment that Merlin was showing. He groaned and leant into her neck, gently kissing her and making her shiver in excitement.

"I-I need you, now." He groaned into her neck.

Aria smiled and removed her hand, "I'm all yours."

Merlin slid into her, being careful not to hurt her. She cried out in pleasure as he began moving inside her, his magic enveloping her and setting her soul alight. Aria gripped onto his back, enjoying the feel of his muscles rippling beneath her fingers. He breathed heavily in her ear, whispering how much he loved her and in the back of Aria's mind, she couldn't help but feel like he was saying goodbye.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

The next morning Merlin, along with the Knights of Camelot were summoned to the chamber room for another meeting about Morgana. Merlin had barely made it into the room when Sir Leon burst in.

"Sire! Troops have been spotted on our Northern border!" Leon shouted, his cloak askew and sweat lining his forehead, "They bare Morgana's mark – on their flags."

Arthur stood up abruptly, his stool scratching loudly across the floor. The other Knights around the table began talking at once, arranging how best to formulate an attack. Merlin looked at his friend and noticed how pale he looked.

"Sire?" Gwaine was sat to the King's left, "What do you propose?"

Arthur held up his hand and all was silent.

"Where do they attack from specifically Leon?"

"They are approaching Camlann, sire."

Merlin's blood ran cold.

It can't be. Not after all this time.

"Then we head to Camlann and fight them." Arthur stood up straight, "That sorceress shall not invade my land and hurt my people."

The Knights all banged their fists on the table, drowning out Merlin's quiet, "No, please, no."

"Knights, to the barracks." A stern frown graced the King's face, "For we head to battle."

Merlin felt despair cling to the inside of his stomach, the prophecy of Arthur's doom ringing in his ears.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"I must stop him, Gaius!" Merlin shouted, "To prevent him from even reaching Camlann."

He paced the length of Gaius's chambers, his hands running backwards and forwards through his hair.

"And how do you propose to do that?" Gaius replied, picking up a glass bottle full of blue solution and clanging it loudly on the table.

Aria watched as Merlin paced, clearly frustrated and concerned by the entire situation. Gaius kept picking up random bottles and moving them around pointlessly, at a loss at what to do in the situation.

"I could speak to Kilgharrah." Merlin paused, his shoulders slumping, "But he foresaw the prophecy, he will say there is no hope."

"Maybe he has some idea?" Aria added, "He has helped us before."

"This is different." Gaius responded, "Merlin is correct, Kilgharrah holds no love for Camelot. He would say to follow the prophecy as it is."

Merlin sighed, raking his hand through his hair, "Is there nothing we can do?"

"Perhaps there is something I must do." Aria spoke quietly, "After all, the prophecy was about me wasn't it? Funny, I haven't really thought about it in many months – probably even over a year."

"No." Merlin looked at her, "You cannot do anything reckless again. You mustn't sacrifice yourself. Promise me?"

Aria sighed, "I promise."

"Merlin is right, Aria. There is nothing you can do in this situation."

Aria's shoulders slumped unhappily.

Isn't there anything we can do? Wait, it wasn't Morgana that killed…

"Mordred!"

"What?" Merlin blinked.

"It's not Morgana who kills Arthur in the legend, but Mordred." Aria gripped Merlin's sleeve tightly, "Merlin you mustn't go. The legends say Mordred is a druid, someone of great power who overthrows Arthur and deals the fatal blow."

Gaius sighed, "Mordred is indeed a druid."

Aria and Merlin looked towards their mentor and friend, "How do you know, Gaius?" Merlin asked.

"I knew him once." Gaius sat on a nearby stool, "He had a bitter soul, always hoping and longing for more, but feeling he could never achieve it. Whatever it was. If he has teamed with Morgana, that is of grave concern."

Aria bit her lip, trepidation building, "Something terrible is going to happen, isn't it?"

Merlin stopped pacing and looked at his wife, "I have the most awful feeling that it will."

"I too fear it will." Gaius replied solemnly, "That is of course what the prophecy foretold."

"There must be a way to stop this, some way to prevent Arthur being killed." Aria frowned, "Remember my dream before Arthur's birthday? When he was killed? We found a way around that, to prevent that from happening. So maybe there is a way to prevent this."

"But Uther was killed instead." Gaius said solemnly.

Aria's shoulders slumped, "True."

"I must go to Camlann and stop Morgana before she can get to him."

Aria looked up in surprise, "Merlin, you mustn't. She could kill you - Mordred could kill you."

He cannot go – he must not go! But, who else can stop them…

Merlin shook his head, "I am stronger than her. I will be stronger that Mordred also. It was my weakness before that I let her get away from me. I will not make the same mistake again."

"It's too risky, Merlin." Gaius spoke slowly, "If something were to happen to you, Camelot would be completely defenceless. Not to mention Aria would also be defenceless."

"I know that, and of course I would not risk any harm on Aria. Not like with the stables…"

"Don't be silly." Aria shushed him, "That is in the past now. But I really don't think you should go, anything could happen. Morgana will be doing this to lure Emrys out – to lure you out."

"What else can I do?!" Merlin's voice raised, causing Aria to flinch, "Sorry." He replied, rubbing that back of his head.

There is no other choice, is there?

"Please Merlin, promise me you won't go alone."

He looked into her eyes and sighed, "I promise."

"Merlin!"

The trio turned towards the new voice.

"I need you in the main chamber room now, we have to discuss battle preparations." Arthur paused and continued more quietly, "I need you there."

"I'm coming right now, Arthur." Merlin looked at Aria and gently took her hand in his and laid a gentle kiss on top, "I will be back with you soon."

Once they had left, Aria and Gaius sat in silence for some time. She sighed and looked down at her hands.

I have been here years and yet my hands look the same as they did then. A bit more weathered and rough I suppose, but due to my stature at the castle… Why am I thinking about this? What is wrong with me?

She shook her head and growled in frustration, "He's going to go isn't he?" She spoke aloud.

"I fear so, yes."

Aria sighed, holding her head in her hands, "There's nothing I can do to stop him, is there?"

"I fear not." Gaius stood up and walked over to her, placing his hand on her back.

Aria felt tease pool in the corners of her eyes, "Gaius, what do I do? He promised me he wouldn't go alone, but knowing Merlin he'll think of something clever." She laughed, tears dripping down her cheek, "He'd take his bloody horse and say he wasn't alone and didn't break his promise."

Gaius gently rubbed her back, trying his best to console her.

"And you know the funny thing?" Aria hiccupped, "I knew that. I knew I was giving him a loophole, but I still said it! I knew it! Why did I do that?"

"Because you love him." He replied simply, "You do not want him to go, but you know he must. I fear it is too risky, but I am uncertain of what else we can do at this point."

"Yes, I suppose that's it." Aria sniffed, "And what about Gwen? She will lose her husband in this battle."

"She may not, if Merlin is indeed able to prevent Mordred from arriving."

"Either way, one of us will lose our husband. Isn't that right?" Aria smiled sadly, tears slowly tracing their way down her soft cheeks.

"I fear so." Gaius repeated, "I fear so."

Aria felt sobs wrack up again, her chest heaving. She gripped Gaius's coat and cried into it, whilst he patted her gently on the back, tears glistening in his eyes also.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"What do you mean you have an errand to run?" Arthur looked at his friend in disbelief. He had only just finished putting on his cape when Merlin had burst into his chambers, Gwen following worried behind.

"It will help in the battle, please, I need you to trust me."

"You're leaving me whilst I march towards one of the biggest and most important battles I have ever faced?"

"Arthur." Merlin pleaded, "I need you to trust me. I would never leave you unless it was vitally important."

"What could be more important, Merlin?" Arthur replied, despondent, "How could you do this to me?"

"Arthur-" Gwen went to hold her husband's arm but he shook it off.

"Where are you going?" He demanded.

"I can't tell you that." Merlin responded, agony clear on his face.

"I demand you tell me. As your King."

"Arthur!" Gwen exclaimed.

"Arthur, please-"

"No, I need you here, Merlin, by my side." Arthur shook his head, "You forsake me in my time of real need?"

"Never." Merlin responded, "I would never forsake you Arthur. You must know that. Please trust me."

Arthur looked at his friend sadly, "You know, Merlin. All those times I called you a coward, I never really meant it." He shook his head, "I thought you were the bravest man I had ever met. I guess I was wrong."

Merlin opened his mouth to speak but closed it again when no words came out. He fought back the overwhelming urge to cry.

Arthur was silent for a moment longer, "Go on your errand. I will go without you to Camlann and bring victory to Camelot." After that he walked out of the room, cape trailing behind him.

"Arthur, don't go-" But the King had already left. Merlin sighed, running his hands though his hair.

"Merlin." Gwen began, "How can you-"

"Gwen, please." Merlin looked up, tears in his eyes, "You must trust me, please. I would never leave Arthur. I would gladly die for him."

"I know this, and he does also, Merlin. He just feels hurt, and I can understand why."

"There is something I must do in order to guarantee his success. Something that only I can do."

"Does Aria know?" Gwen asked lightly.

He nodded, "She does not wish me to go, but knows I must. Please, can you look after her for me? Ensure she is safe?"

"Of course, Merlin. But where do you go that you should wish this of me? Surely not somewhere so dangerous alone."

Merlin walked towards the door before turning back, smiling sadly, "I won't be alone. I have my horse."

With that he turned and left the room, leaving a very confused and conflicted Queen.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"Are you prepared, Mordred?" Morgana looked over to the man besides her, "For we now go to war."

"I am always ready." He smirked, "I have prepared myself to serve my part in the prophecy all of my life. I will not make it out of this battle, for that I am certain. But I shall take Camelot's King with me."

"Indeed you shall." Morgana laughed, "If you kill Arthur, I will come to aid you."

Mordred shook his head, "You do not need to. I have prepared myself for my final battle."

Morgana raised her eyebrow questioningly, "As you will." She looked ahead to where her army was gathering, "Let us depart."

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"Aria." Aria sighed contently in her sleep.

"Aria." The voice repeated, "Wake up, my love."

Aria blinked her eyes open slowly, "Merlin?"

"I'm sorry to wake you so early." He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, "I must go now."

"I know." Aria, now fully awake, pushed herself up and laid her forehead against his, "I wish you didn't have to go."

"But I must." Merlin placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her deeply, "Know that I love you, more than anything in this world. I will come back to you - I will see you again. Regardless of what happens, please know that."

"Promise?" She asked feebly.

"I promise." He kissed her again, "Please be safe and don't do anything foolish."

"Me?" She joked quietly, "Please just come back to me." Her voice broke slightly.

"I love you, Aria." He kissed her one last time, full of longing, "Goodbye."

"At least say goodnight, not goodbye." She cried silently.

"Goodnight, my love."

Aria watched him leave and felt a sharp pain in her heart. Her necklace hung like a dead weight against her chest. She gripped the front of her nightdress and cried into her pillow.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"We leave at dawn." Arthur called, his Knight amassed in the courtyard in front of him, "We are mighty, we will win! For Camelot!" He held his sword in the air.

"For Camelot!" The Knights chorused, their shouts echoing around Camelot.

Aria and Gwen looked down on the scene from a nearby window, both with uncertainty and worry evident on their faces.

"They will be safe, won't they?" Gwen asked for reassurance, gripping the front of her dress tightly.

"Yes, they will be fine. Arthur will be fine." She reiterated, "Every Knight in Camelot will sacrifice themselves for him."

"That is what I am worried about." Gwen looked down at her friend, who also looked troubled, "You know where Merlin has gone, don't you?"

Aria sniffed, tears threatening to spill again, "I do."

"Why must he go alone? Why can't he tell Arthur more?"

"He-" Aria sighed, wiping a stray tear away with the back of her sleeve, "It is something he must do, Gwen. Something that only Merlin can do. Without it, Arthur cannot hope to win."

Gwen took in a sharp breath, her grip tightening.

"Merlin must go. Trust me when I say I wish for anything but that." Aria sniffed again, tears slowly flowing down her cheeks, blurring her vision, "If he succeeds there will be a victory for Camelot."

"If he does not…" Gwen probed.

"I fear for us all." Aria replied, watching the sea of red walking through Camelot's gates.

So much red.

Aria's breath hitched in her throat as she remembered the prophecy talking about rivers of blood in Camelot.

Oh my God, it's happening.

A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter - any thoughts/ feedback; please let me know :) Please review and let me know what you think!