Arthur had continued to do a few small legal cases for Leon as long as it meant he didn't need to be away from home to many days at a time, only rarely working a full week. So he was surprised to be offered the chance to become a high court judge. He was very flattered but turned it down not wanting the increased workload.

Then in the New Years honours list Merlin was awarded an M.B.E., for his years of unpaid work for the County Archive. He knew about it before Christmas, and had great difficulty in not telling anyone other than Arthur. The award also had the side effect of increasing Merlin's self esteem; he had suffered with a low opinion of himself since his kidnap. The investiture was at Windsor Castle and he managed to go with Arthur to collect it, although he was very unsettled for weeks before. Merlin was very nervous when he found he was going to be given his award from the Queen, he so frightened he would fall over, but he refused to accept it from his wheelchair. Hunith went as well and was so proud of her son. Afterwards he received a recording of the event and they had a small party one weekend so all their friends could see it, although it had been on the news, and in the newspapers, due to his history. Merlin often took out the medal so he could look at it; he was bowled over to have been so appreciated to even get nominated.

The during the summer holidays that year, Penny and William announced their engagement. It came as no surprise to anyone. They didn't intend to get married until William had finished his training, so they had a long time to save up. It was also during the holidays when Alice decided she could no longer cope and moved into a rest home in the nearest town. They were all sad to see her go but Arthur picked said he would pick he up at least once a month to come to the bungalow for lunch. Hunith and Alice would speak on the phone so at least she could keep up with the family she now considered hers.

Tristan and Elizabeth were both going to college after the holidays. Tristan wanted to work towards a career in accountancy as he loved mathematics and figures. Elizabeth was still undecided but Gwen and Lance were happy for her to continue to stretch herself until she did. So now with all the children left school a landmark had been reached.

Miranda and Mordred were still together, and they asked if they could stay at the bungalow for part of the holidays. Merlin and Arthur were only too pleased. It was nice to have people around them. Miranda spent quite a bit of time with Arthur, working on his cases, so it gave Mordred the chance to spend time with Merlin. They would talk for hours on end about all sorts of things.

Merlin went a whole eight months without getting down at all and Arthur was just beginning to think to worse could be over. But then something happened that shattered Merlin's world once more. Arthur had had a routine blood test and was found to have Prostate Cancer. He kept it quiet until he had had the tests, not wanting to worry Merlin unnecessarily. After the tests results came through he was told he had stage a localised cancer, a T2 type luckily it had been found early before it spread.

Arthur then sat down with Merlin and told him all he knew and what treatment he would need. That night the men cried themselves to sleep in each other's arms. Would their troubles never end.