Chapter 36: Never Lose Hope.

The ride back to Castle Desmond was filled with Leon explaining to Gwaine and the King what had happened to him and Merlin. Leon told them that Merlin had spent the first few days asleep, almost like in a trance state, floating in the Lake, while Leon sat on the floor.

Nights were spent asleep floating, while the days dragged until Merlin had woken on the fourth day. Leon then learnt more about Freya and her destiny, as well as a lot more about magic. Between Merlin and Freya, Leon had learnt enough to be judged a competent magic user.

Leon had to remind Gwaine more than once that Merlin had said he could not be brought back. The King had remained silent throughout.

"Leon, Gwaine, we are an hour's ride away. I must speak to you both now before we arrive back."

All three dismounted from their horses, the King motioned to the cousins to sit down on a nearby log, while a pouch was passed around.

"Recent events as you know have impacted on my Kingdom considerably. And I assure you both they have impacted me personally. While I cannot do everything you no doubt wish me to do, there are some things, I do have the power to change."

"First, Leon you are fully legitimized. As the only son of my brother you are his heir and will be made a full Duke. Secondly, as I now have no heir, my titles would have passed to my brother. However, now he has passed that duty and honour also falls to you."

King Garratt turned to Gwaine, "Gwaine, I am sorry, I am sure you thought you were going to be heir, however the law is the law."

Gwaine laughed, "I'm pretty pleased actually. Being King is not for me."

Leon suddenly realised what Merlin had felt when he was being told about destiny, "And what is to say it is for me? Do I not have a say in this?"

"You doubt you can do it nephew?"

Leon coughed, "I have been through a lot these past few months, I hardly think I am in a fit state to become your heir."

"Nonsense, what does not kill you makes you stronger. A bard told me that once. Besides you are Merlin's heir also."

The King raised his right hand, "Before you say anything, let me finish. I know that you both have had a terrible loss in Merlin. I have already made provisions for his mother to be under my protection and I will put the full power of my Kingdoms and that of my late wife's to that protection. I have no intention of allowing either of you or Thomas or Henry to come to harm."

"Second to that, I also pledge that I will do everything possible to ensure that your former Prince Arthur survives. I do not have the gift, or curse of Magic that you both do. There is much you can learn from Elizabeth's old texts and from the Dragon. Now I do not know what the future holds for you or for Arthur but know this, I would rather die than see Morgause or Morgana succeed. I do not think that you can get the people to remember, but that does not mean to say that you should give up hope."

"Give up hope?"

"Yes, Gwaine, hope."

Gwaine's mind was racing, was it coincidence? "The Dragon said something about Hope?"
"Did he? I doubt that beast knows the meaning of the word."

"No your majesty, he did. I was talking about helping Arthur and he said he could only be restored with Magic, Courage, Wisdom and Hope."

The King was interested, "go on"

"Well, I said I had no Hope and he said that Hope was a funny thing and that it-"

Leon was now interested too, "What Gwaine, what is it."

Gwaine looked at them both, hoping they could help decipher the meaning. "He said that Hope, that Hope springs eternal."

"Are you sure nephew, that Killgarrah of all people said that?"

"Definitely Uncle."

Garratt chuckled, "Well, well, isn't he just full of surprises." Looking at his nephews it was clear to him that they were going to need some help understanding, both looked confused. "Both of you stop looking like someone has slapped you around the face and pay attention. I know what the meaning is behind the Dragon's latest bout of riddles."

"What is it?"

"Leon, if I have this right, and I think I do then he is talking about what you, Gwaine, indeed all of us would lay down our lives for. The restoration of Merlin and of Arthur."

Neither noble spoke, both were trying to get their brains into gear, just how was Merlin going to be brought back? And Arthur?

"I am sure both of you have questions for me; however, I need something from the vaults before I can confirm this for certain. I purpose I will meet you both at midnight in my chambers. We will not be disturbed."

"We should bring Thomas too. And send word to Henry. "

"I'm sorry Gwaine but the less people know the better."

"But they are my brothers! And you promised things would be different. There can be no more secrets."

The King snapped back into his old voice immediately. "I will determine what secrets there cannot and can be. I am still King. And this is for Merlin's safety. I will not put my Grandson at risk!"

Leon decided he needed to make a stand here, "I do not agree with you, your majesty. And I will point out that I am your heir now."

The cold Kingly voice remained, "That you may be but you have to see that your brother's safety comes first. What if Morgause or Morgana get a whiff of the return of Emrys? Remember every Kingdom thinks this great Wizard has died. And it is not as if I can announce the return of my Grandson, it will be most suspicious. "

Leon did not look convinced, nor did Gwaine, Garratt did not care, he was right, "Both of you, you have got to understand that I also have to concoct a plausible story as to why Leon here has returned from the dead. The fewer the people who know the truth, the bigger the chance a story can hold."

"You have a point." Leon turned to Gwaine, "I mean technically I died. I come back to life and word will get out to Morgana and Morgause. Then how do we explain that? Gwaine? Gwaine? Are you listening to me?"

Gwaine nodded, "Sorry Leon, I just, how on earth are we going to announce we are back? I told them that you had died defending your lands. Lancelot is now in charge there. I managed to get Arthur over here as my servant. If you reappear everything goes wrong."

The King smiled at them both, "And now you both realize, the difficult decisions you have to make as a King. There are ways around this but it requires a story, one that must spread throughout the Kingdom. Leon's appearance must change, as must his name."

"Oh don't look so perplexed you two, both of you have magic. I am sure combined with the Dragon you can work something out."

Leon had a realisation, "Merlin did tell me he used it to change into an old man. Gwaine remember that doddering sorcerer, Dragoon? Well that was Merlin. Dragoon the Great." Leon laughed, "Original was it not?"

Gwaine laughed, it was good to think about Merlin in this way. "Very. Typical Merlin."

The King there and then that he had them both where he wanted them, "So, you see, you are already thinking of ways this can be done. Now, for the back story. As you both know there has been some scandal within the family. It will not be difficult to have Leon as a long lost nephew that should satisfy. Even Agravaine does not know how many children have come about from all this mess. The other thing is that to legally be heir and for that legality not to be questioned when the truth wills out on day, you must have a link to your new identity."

"Leon, do you have a middle name?"

"Yes, it is Kay."

"Well, the matter is settled then. Leon will you please kneel down in front of me?"

Leon knelt; he was not sure where this was going.

"Lord Leon, do you accept my offer to become heir to the thrones of Munster, Ulster and Kerry. Do you swear to protect the lands?"

"I so do."

"Do you swear loyalty to the King? Do you swear that you will lead the Knights of the Realm faithfully and enforce the Knights code?"

"I so do."

"Then I name you my heir. I am bestowing upon you the Dukedom of Leinster. Arise, Duke Kay of Leinster, the heir to the thrones of Munster, Ulster and Kerry."

Gwaine did a mock bow at Leon; in fact it was a smug bow. "Your Grace, I think tonight requires ale to celebrate."

"Gwaine I thought you had given up drinking?"

"I had your Majesty, especially as I thought I was your heir, but now that Kay here has that privilege, I can hardly not celebrate his elevation can I?"

"Fine, fine, I suppose it is good practice."

"Practice for what your Majesty?"

"For tomorrow, Leon, sorry Kay. Tomorrow I will have to throw a feast for my long lost nephew. And then there is the official crowning ceremony. It is not becoming to be made Crown Prince in a forest clearing."

"Excellent idea your Majesty. And of course Duke Kay will need to be introduced to his Knights. Who will no doubt wish to bond with him?"

Garratt smiled at Gwaine, "Earl Gwaine, I am impressed you show you have learnt much. Kay must bond with the Knights, it is very important. That will require some training exercises, a few hunts and of course, Knights and their leader must bond over tales over a banquet or two."

"And Duke Kay has magical abilities; he is going to need to learn how to use them properly."

The King twisted his lips into a full on smirk "Indeed, indeed he shall."

"Are you both finished with your suggestions?"

Leon glared at Gwaine, who was also smirking.

"Earl Gwaine, I do not know why you are smirking, your magical abilities are going to be tested too. His Grace here will need assistance. Both of you will receive instruction from a very wise magical user?"

The cousins said in unison, "Who?"

"Why, Killgarrah of course." Both groaned.

"Now, do not be like that. I am sure you both will enjoy the experience. Let's get him here and let him know."

Garratt looked at Leon, "Kay that means you, go on, call him."

Leon glared at him. "Fine. I'm doing this for the good of the Kingdom and it is what Merlin would want."

Minutes later a very pleased Dragon arrived.

"Why Duke Kay, it is good to see you. And you too Earl Gwaine. I suppose the King here wishes for you to master your arts?"

'Yes."

"Oh no don't sound like that your Grace, this will be good for you both."

"I don't see how?"

"He who cannot see will remain blind. He who opens his eyes can see."

"Clear as usual Dragon."

"Let me be clear then." Then cocking his head and smiling, "Just this once mind."

"Kay, Gwaine you shall both have your eyes opened. For with open eyes you will see what must be done and can be. That Hope springs eternal. That prophecy can often be incomplete. That Magic can be a force for good. And can be restored."

Leon's heart was beating loudly. He swore the others could hear it.

"You mean? You mean?"

"Correct."

Gwaine was not getting this; Killgarrah was still talking in riddles as far as he could see.

"Correct? Correct what?"

"I said this would be a one off and so it shall be. The King was right for once and Merlin was wrong. Magic can and must be restored. It will take its rightful place. All things must come to pass and the evil that has taken the land of Albion will be lifted. Magic will run free. It cannot be stopped. For Wisdom is handed down through the centuries, Courage can be developed, one can build up Strength. And Hope, yes Hope, Hope is for all humanity. And where there is Hope, there is a way."

"Do not get over confident. There is much to be done. And foes you do not let know the full nature of. But let me assure you that these words are true. Gwaine, your gift of being a Seer will grow, Kay you have been told in your sleep that the King of a Hundred Knights shall rise and all of Albion will feel his wrath. The next few years will be dreadful; I can promise you that evil will show no mercy. But let me also promise you this, with every breadth of my being Merlin shall return and Arthur will have his rightful place restored to him. I cannot tell you everything, for I cannot see it myself and the journey will be long. But never give up."

"And never again lose Hope."

The Dragon turned to the King, nodded and flew off, leaving behind a bewildered but happy trio of men.