A/N: This is the last official chapter! Also note that it is longer than normal, 5,300+ words when my average word count per chapter is 3,000. Your welcome ;) I am planning to do a short epilogue, and possibly a short story about the first time Merlin was the Dolma that is alluded to in my story.
Thank you so much for reading! Thank you for following, favoriting, and reviewing this as well. You all rock. I really hope you all enjoyed it, and it was a pleasant distraction :) Peace and love be with you dear readers.
Chapter 15
The dragon was quickly closing back in on them. It made Arthur feel vulnerable that they had to focus on the large creature, when Morgana could be sneaking up behind them. He glanced around at the knights, then looked at Merlin who was also staring at the dragon.
"Merlin, we need to take care of the dragon quickly," he whispered to his friend. Merlin did not look at him, but nodded with a look of fierce determination in his bright blue eyes.
"Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai! Weas!" Merlin stepped forward and yelled as the dragon swooped in to attack. It veered off to their left, and they all watched it, transfixed to see if it would come back around, but it continued its flight to the north. No one dared move for a minute, but their dread quickly wore off.
"Merlin, what was that!" Leon yelled.
"Merlin, did you just command a bloody dragon?" Gwaine asked.
"No time! Yes, Merlin can talk to dragons, but this one was probably sent by Morgana so let's move!" Arthur commanded. Leon looked like he would argue for a minute, then nodded.
"I'm going back for Percival. He could be trapped under some rocks," Elyan said. Arthur and the rest of their party ran, as fast as they dared over the loose rocks, to the trees that were a couple miles away.
Arthur held Gwen's arm as they ran. He glanced at her ashen face; she must have felt starved and weak after not eating for days, but she did not complain. The plan had been to rest and eat when they reached the horses, but now that was too dangerous. Now they had to get as far away from their current position, as quickly as they could manage. Surely that dragon would report everything to Morgana, and he still had a nagging suspicion she was nearby. After all, she had probably learned of their journey and sent the dragon ahead to try to intercept them before Gwen was healed.
They were nearing the trees, and Arthur's hope rose. If they could make it back to the horses, they still might avoid a confrontation with Morgana. The wind suddenly picked up, and Arthur found himself slowing down and searching for the source. Out from behind a tree that they were running towards, emerged a hooded figure. The hooded figure started walking towards them, and Arthur put up his hand for his party to stop. He had a really bad feeling about this, and glancing at Merlin he could tell the feeling was shared.
The hooded figure walked to within fifteen feet of them, then threw back the hood of her cloak. It was Morgana, tall, fierce and angry. 'Of course she shows up now. She couldn't wait a few more minutes.' Merlin's sarcasm was wearing off on him. They all quickly drew their swords.
"Where is he?" Morgana said with loathing dripping from her words, and her cruel mouth turned down in a frown.
"Dear sister, who exactly are you asking after? I am not sure who this he is you speak of," Arthur said.
"Don't try to play games with me Arthur! Where is Emrys? I can tell he cured Gwen somehow so you must know who he is and where he is!" Morgana shouted. Arthur carefully kept his eyes locked on Morgana, and tried to distract her so Merlin could do, whatever Merlin was good at doing in these situations.
"There was no Emrys. If you seek out some sorcerer you shall have to look elsewhere Morgana!" Leon interjected.
"He speaks the truth, Morgana. It was the Dolma, ancient sorceress of the Cauldron that cured Gwen. I do not know her personally, only Gaius knew she existed, but I am pretty sure she was a woman and did not go by Emrys," Arthur said. He took a moment to glance at his party, as if to seek their confirmation of his facts, but he really wanted to see Merlin's expression. It was not encouraging. Merlin's expression seemed torn. He kept shifting slightly like he wanted to get away and sneak back as Emrys, but was afraid to leave his friends, at least that is what he would have been thinking if he was Merlin, but whatever it was, it was not the confident expression he was hoping for. 'You better come up with a plan now Merlin. I cannot stall forever.'
"Do not try to lie to me! The Dochraid told me Emrys came to her to obtain the information on how to save Gwen. How did you know to come to the Cauldron of Arianrhod if not for Emrys?" Arthur's mind went blank. Gwen looked like she would talk, but Arthur squeezed her wrist. He did not think it wise for Gwen to draw Morgana's attention, especially in her condition; however, he really was not gifted in coming up with stories on the spot. Gwaine came to his rescue.
"Lady Morgana, it has been a long time. Not quite long enough, but still. I'd have thought you would have gotten over yourself by now. Not everything is about you and your blasted sorcerers. Us normal people can figure out things on our own you know. If you've got such a crush on this Emrys character, why don't you go find him if you think he is close by, and leave the rest of us alone?" Gwaine asked.
Morgana glared at him with her sparkling green eyes, and even Arthur had to resist taking a small step back; Morgana had always been intense. She waved her hand, muttered something under her breath, and Gwaine, and Leon who had been standing next to him, went flying several feet backwards. Thankfully they did not slam into any boulders, but their landing on the rocks had not been gentle and they both looked disoriented. Morgana had a pleased smirk on her face, and her eyes were temporarily diverted. Merlin took advantage of the distraction to act.
"Forp Fleoge!" Merlin shouted, sending Morgana flying. He then took several steps forward so he was between Arthur and Gwen and Morgana. Morgana did not stay down for as long as he would have liked, but he had gone for speed instead of a powerful spell. He then muttered a couple other small spells under his breath.
"Merlin!" Morgana screeched standing up, "not only do you poison me, pretending to be my friend, you also ignored me when I first discovered I had magic. You made me think I was alone!" Morgana accused. Merlin felt the guilt over the poisoning surface, but pushed it aside. He still didn't know if she had known Morgause's purpose when she returned to Camelot, but back then he had to stop her. He had to save Arthur and everyone else, and not telling her about his magic had been another difficult decision. Now he would never know if it would have helped her avoid her fear that had turned to rage, and her need for power so she would not feel helpless again. He pitied Morgana, but he knew the creature she had become. She would sell her soul for the throne of Camelot.
"Yes Morgana, I have made some difficult decisions, many of which I'm not proud of, and I'm sorry you felt betrayed, but that does not excuse what you have become. You enjoy inflicting pain and you seek power at any cost. You are very much like your father," Merlin said.
Morgana stared disdainfully at Merlin for a minute. Then a light of realization entered her eyes. Her eyes widened and she took two steps forward.
"Not only do you have magic...you are Emrys!" Morgana said, her face flashing through several emotions in seconds, first unbelief, then anger, then fear, then anger again.
Merlin wanted to glance behind himself to his friends, but he did not dare take his eyes off Morgana. He could sense that Leon and Gwaine had gotten up and were making their way towards Arthur. He was worried they would join him and get caught up in a flurry of spells.
"Yes, I am. Do you plan on doing anything about it or are you too afraid?" Merlin mocked, taking several steps forward so he was within six feet of her.
"Ablinn du; forlaet du nu!" Morgana shouted angrily and Merlin went flying backwards, landing a couple feet in front of Arthur, with his head tilted backwards. Arthur let go of Gwen and started to move towards him, but Merlin cracked one eye open and shot him a quick look, asking him to stay back. Thankfully the prat was not as dense as normal, and he got the hint.
Merlin could only see his friends and not Morgana with how he had landed, which was unnerving. Watching Arthur's shoulder's tense, he could tell she was walking towards him. He made his own body stay absolutely still and closed his eyes again.
"How the mighty fall...the great Emrys. I expected more," Morgana said. He could almost hear the swish of her dress as she got closer, and imagined how her beautiful black hair would be elegantly entwined around her shoulders. He remembered the small crush he had on her when they first met, back when she was a strong, compassionate woman, not the cruel monster that approached him. It was hard not to remember Morgana's kind eyes, even though he had not seen them for years. He knew it was even harder for Arthur who had known her his whole life. He would not make Arthur kill his sister. 'Good thing I cast that partial shielding spell.'
Merlin felt Morgana's shadow fall over him, her darkness reaching out to him with caressing arms. He knew what she would cast, as he knew her mind. Fear nailed him in place. He knew Morgana wanted to watch him burn.
"Forbearne! Akwele!" Morgana said intending to burn him alive like Camelot burned all sorcerers. A flame started growing in Morgana's hands, then shot towards Merlin. As it reached him, it flickered out, only singing his hair slightly, but it left an acrid smell in the air.
"Ie her accigie aenne windraes! Faerblaed waw! Windraes ungetermed; ge hier! Ie de bebeod mid ealle strangesse daet du geblawest ond syrmest strange! Gespurn peos haegtesse!" Merlin yelled, throwing his hand towards Morgana. A whirlwind shot out of his hand sweeping Morgana off her feet. It threw her backwards, far out of sight. His own rapid breathing was all he could hear as he tiredly lifted himself off of the ground. Arthur rushed forward to help him up.
"That was awesome," Gwaine said as he joined Arthur in helping Merlin up. Merlin stood up, and after swaying a couple times, was able to stand on his own. That last spell had taken a lot out of him.
"What happened? Is she...dead?" Arthur asked. The knights were staring at him, wondering the same thing, and Leon was eying him suspiciously. Gwen took the opportunity to rush forward.
"Oh Merlin, are you all right? Thank you for protecting us. I know that could not have been easy considering," She hugged Merlin, then looked around at everyone, and gave Arthur a raised eyebrow, wondering how long he had known about Merlin's magic.
"I'm fine Gwen," Merlin said with a small smile for her. "Arthur, Morgana is not dead. She will be unconscious wherever she is, but I am not sure for how long. With a normal person that spell would kill them or leave them weakened for days, but with a high priestess, I'm not sure," Merlin said.
"Let us get to the horses then, just in case," Arthur said. Leon opened his mouth twice, then closed it again. Merlin could tell he was dying to ask about Merlin's magic. They quickly made it to the trees, and only had a little farther before they reached the horses.
"Sire, should we wait here or should I go back for Elyan and Percival?" Leon asked. Merlin looked back behind them and used his forward sight.
"We should wait," Merlin said with a smile. A minute later Percival and Elyan walked into the clearing. Percival had a slight limp.
"Don't wait on our account," Elyan said smiling.
"Percival, are you well?" Arthur asked.
"Yes sire, I just fell among some rocks that I had to dig myself out of. Elyan came along at the end and removed a pebble or two," Percival said causing the knights to laugh. "I sprained my ankle slightly, but as long as we don't have to go back to Camelot on foot, I'll be fine."
Arthur nodded his approval, and they mounted their horses after taking a moment to explain the Morgana situation to Percival and Elyan. Merlin looked at Gwen and noticed her fatigue was growing. Arthur would not ride the horses long before making camp. 'At camp they will want to talk about my magic,' Merlin thought, but he realised he did not mind. Arthur was accepting him, Gwen was healed, and Morgana was defeated for now. All was finally going right for him.
They made it a few miles further with the horses, and found a grove of trees they would be relatively sheltered in. Arthur decided it was good enough. Gwen looked ready to fall off her horse, and Merlin looked bone weary as well.
"We will make camp here for the night. The sun will set in a couple of hours, and this is a good location. We just passed that small stream, and the trees will give us good coverage," Arthur said. No one tried to argue; they were all tired.
Arthur helped Gwen from the horse and put out her bedroll so she could lay down. She smiled in gratitude, lying down and closing her eyes. Arthur leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I'll wake you when the food is ready," he whispered in her ear. She nodded, with a slight smile and quickly fell asleep.
Arthur sat next to Gwen, reluctant to leave her side, and watched Merlin set up camp. Gwaine was watching Merlin with amusement, and Leon was staring at him like he had grown two heads. Percival and Elyan were taking care of the horses and talking amicably.
"Do you need any help getting the firewood?" Leon asked Merlin as he was about to disappear into the woods. Merlin smirked, and Arthur found himself smiling too. Arthur was not sure what Leon thought of Merlin's magic, but it was obvious he found the idea of a powerful sorcerer gathering firewood hard to grasp.
"I don't necessarily need help, but I would welcome the company," Merlin said.
"Well, if it is a party, I'm coming too," Gwaine said, putting his hand protectively on Merlin's shoulder. Merlin laughed.
"Alright, alright," Merlin agreed, and the three of them left their secluded grove to fetch some firewood and water.
Elyan and Percival were almost done with the horses when Arthur heard a twig break behind him. His senses were heightened from their recent fight with Morgana. He knew it was probably just an animal, but the hairs on his arm were raised. As he turned around, he saw a flash of black move into sight, and Morgana was there. She had her sword at his throat before he could draw his own sword.
"Where is Emrys?" She demanded, moving her sword an inch back, allowing him to talk. Arthur had been holding his breath and sucking in some fresh air, but refused to talk. Morgana looked crazed with her hair wildly sticking out in all directions, and her dress torn in several places. Elyan and Percival started to run towards them.
"Stop! I have your beloved king in my power. You will take five steps back, and then you will tell me where Emry is or I will kill your king," Morgana said. They did not say anything for a few moments and Morgana put her sword against Arthur's neck again where it drew a thin trail of blood.
"Wait, we don't know who Emrys is!" Percival yelled. Morgana looked at him for a minute, then screamed. Arthur knew this would be his end. It did not surprise him that he would die by his sister's hand. He wished it had been in battle, instead of getting his throat cut while caught unawares. Merlin and Leon would never forgive themselves for not being there. He closed his eyes, not wanting his last sight to be the monster that Morgana had become.
Arthur stood there waiting for the blow, but it never came. He slowly opened his eyes, and saw Morgana with a look of horror on her face. She suddenly dropped her sword. He drew his own sword, but did not have to use it as Morgana fell to the ground. It almost seemed to happen in slow motion. Behind Morgana, stood Gwen who held a bloody sword in her hand; she had stabbed Morgana, but she was swaying on her feet. Arthur ran to her and caught her just as she collapsed, dropping his sword in the process. At the same time Merlin, Leon, and Gwaine came running into the camp. Merlin reached Arthur first.
"Are you and Gwen all right?" Merlin asked, kneeling next to them. Arthur looked up from Gwen to respond when he saw Merlin's eyes widen at something behind him. Merlin dove towards him, grabbing Excalibur, and thrust it into Morgana's heart just as she was about to stab Arthur. Morgana fell to the ground again, but this time did not move. Her eyes shut, and she seemed dead. Arthur did not want to take any chances, and felt for a pulse at her neck. There was none.
"It's finally over," Merlin whispered. He leaned over Morgana as well and examined a necklace she was wearing. "This shielded her some earlier, which is why she was not unconscious for days like we thought," Merlin said.
"Gwen, are you alright? You saved my life" Arthur said. Gwen was sitting up, but still looked worn.
"Yes, I'll be fine with some food in me. And Merlin is the one you should be thanking, he saved you twice today," Gwen said.
"You should really give Merlin a raise, don't you think your highness?" Gwaine said in a slightly mocking voice.
"Or at least a day off," Merlin mumbled under his breath.
"I will consider it," Arthur said, punching Merlin's arm, and causing him to roll his eyes. Then his eyes fell on Morgana again. "I think we should bury Morgana now."
"Do you want me to take care of it Arthur?" Merlin asked. Arthur appreciated Merlin's gesture, but he needed to be part of it.
"No, I think we should all do it together. She once was someone who deserved our love and respect," Arthur said, and he went over and picked up his sister. They followed him and he found a spot among the rocks to lay her. Then he started piling rocks on top of her. Merlin knelt down and helped him. When he was finished, he stood up and faced the rest of them.
"Morgana was once kind and compassionate, and that changed- in part through her own choices, and in part through circumstances that were forced upon her. She was alone, afraid, and persecuted. I hope to make changes in my kingdom, where no one feels that way again. Morgana hurt all of us, some of us deeply, but let us not forget who she once was, let us commit to remember the good with the bad. She will always have a place in my heart," Arthur said.
Gwen was crying, and Merlin had tears in his eyes. Gwen hurriedly wiped her eyes with her sleeve and hugged Arthur. Arthur hugged her back, and then reluctantly let her go. It was time to finish setting up camp. They all needed food and rest, and then everyone could start to heal.
"Did the three of you manage to get any firewood?" Percival asked.
"Yeah, we're hungry here, and you three came back empty handed. You really were just having a party weren't you Gwaine?" Elyan joked.
"We collected plenty of firewood. We just dropped in when we heard a scream, which I think is a pretty good reason to drop firewood. It's right over there. I'll get it," Merlin said, but instead of walking to where they had dropped it, he waved his hand, and the logs came floating over to him.
"What is going on?" Percival said, drawing his sword. Gwaine went over to him, and put his hand on Percival's shoulder.
"You think that is impressive. Wait until you see him talking to dragons," Gwaine said. Percival looked around at everyone else who seemed perfectly calm, and sheathed his sword.
"I think I missed something," he said.
"I think we all did," Leon said, also wanting an explanation.
"Peace Leon. Let Merlin get dinner started, and then we can talk about his magic," Arthur said. Leon nodded and sat down on a nearby log, waiting for the explanation. Percival sat down beside him, and the two of them were both now looking at Merlin like he was a mystery they could not understand. Arthur understood how they felt.
Merlin soon had the fire lit, and the stew cooking. It smelled divine. Arthur had helped Gwen over to one of the logs that Gwaine and Elyan had placed around their fire. They were all sitting and drooling over Merlin's stew now.
"Hmmm," Merlin said tasting the stew, "not quite ready yet. I think it needs another hour of simmering to be perfect." Arthur picked up a stick and threw it at him- Merlin ducked, avoiding it.
"If I do not have stew sitting in front of me in a couple minutes, I will put you in the stocks for a week!" Arthur said.
"All right, all right. It is ready," Merlin admitted with a smirk. Arthur found another twig to throw at him.
They all sat happily eating their food for a while. Gwen seemed to come alive with every bite she took, which cheered up Arthur to see. Her stomach could not handle much, but the little she was able to eat seemed to restore a good bit of her energy, and she was soon joking with Elyan about which of them was the better sword fighter.
"So, Merlin, how long have you had magic?" Leon asked. The group was suddenly silent and everyone leaned in to listen.
"All my life. I was born with it," Merlin said casually, still eating his soup. Leon's jaw dropped open at that, along with some of the other knights.
"That is possible?" Leon asked, and then realised it was a stupid question, "I mean is that common?"
"No, it is very rare. Only very powerful magical beings called warlocks are born that way. I cannot not use magic. It is a part of me. My mother sent me away when she learned my friend knew about my magic, and she thought Gaius could help me. At first I felt that maybe my magic was something I should be ashamed of. I watched Uther execute someone for magic the day I arrived so I was scared. Gaius helped me a lot, and talking to the dragon helped as well. I learned that the purpose of my magic is to protect Arthur, and help him become the Once and Future King who unites Albion. It also helped me realise I was not a monster, and I could use my magic for good," Merlin said. Everyone was silent for a while, processing what Merlin had said. Arthur was shocked he had shared so much.
"Are you Emrys?" Percival finally asked. Merlin raised a confused eyebrow at that.
"Morgana asked where Emrys was when she showed up," Arthur explained.
"Ah, yes, the druids call me that," Merlin said.
"How long have you known sire?" Leon asked, turning to Arthur.
"Not that long," Arthur said with some annoyance. "I figured it out on my own and confronted him about it after we took the castle back from Morgana and Helios. He tried to deny it, but finally admitted he was Emrys." Arthur glared at Merlin again. He still had not completely forgiven him for that incident.
"Ah," Leon said and knew better than to say anything else on that subject.
"Anyways," Merlin said, purposefully not looking at Arthur, "I have been doing my best to save Arthur and Camelot's people every time they are in danger, which is quite frequently. I only use my magic for good, and only for Arthur," Merlin said seriously.
"You mean for Arthur and his trusty knights, right Merlin? Would you mind coming to the tavern with me and helping out with some games of chance?" Gwaine said, "or putting a love spell on some ladies for me?"
"Gwaine, that is horrible!" Gwen said disapprovingly, and he had the courtesy to blush slightly.
"Why?" Percival asked, "Why protect Camelot and Arthur? King Uther would have had you killed if he learned of your magic, and Arthur still has magic outlawed. Why don't you go to a kingdom where you can use your magic freely?" Merlin looked into the bowl of his stew for a long time before answering.
"I suppose that is what a sensible person would do, but I believe in Arthur, and the kingdom he will create. He is the Once and Future King that will unite Albion, and bring peace. I'm destined to help him, and I want to help him. Also Camelot has become my home, and you all are my friends. I couldn't just abandon you to the next angry sorcerer that comes along," Merlin said.
"Ok, I get that, but why are you, a powerful warlock, still his servant? Couldn't you make him wash your clothes?" Gwaine said motioning to Arthur. Arthur rolled his eyes at Gwaine. Leon punched Gwaine hard in the shoulder.
"You know that is treason to say," Leon said glaring.
"It is a perfectly legitimate question. Don't you want to know why Merlin is playing at being a servant?" Gwaine said.
"I'm not playing at it," Merlin said, "I am Arthur's servant, and I don't mind at all. It has been an honor to be his servant, and while Morgana was alive, honestly it was a good way to hide my true identity. She never imagined the great Emrys as Arthur's servant. It was also a good way to be close to Arthur so I could protect him before he knew I could use magic," Merlin admitted. Leon looked at Merlin with respect, and the other knights seemed to admire his response as well.
"But that really does not seem fair to you. After all, you never get any credit that way… wait a minute!" Gwaine said and something seemed to occur to him, "you were the Dolma weren't you!" Merlin blushed.
"Well, I… it was bad enough Arthur knew. Can we not mention that?" Merlin said.
"Oh I think it is about time you were honest with everyone Merlin. That was not the first time you have worn this dress is it," Arthur said, pulling the black dress out of Merlin's pack.
"You are such a dollophead! I save your life, but do I get any thanks, no. I get you bringing up embarrassing stories!" Merlin said, stuffing the dress back in the pack.
"Oh come on Merlin, you have to tell us now," Gwaine said, but Merlin just shook his head. "You know the story, don't you?" Gwaine asked Arthur. Merlin turned a murderous stare at Arthur to which Arthur just grinned.
"I do know the story," Arthur said, "I heard it from a dragon. Merlin ignored some advice from the dragon, just as he often ignores things I tell him to do, and Merlin was forced into a situation that was not particularly pleasant for him."
"Ok, stop teasing us Arthur and tell us the whole story," Gwaine begged. Merlin's murderous stare turned pleading, and Arthur relented.
"I am truly sorry Gwaine, but Merlin will have to tell you that story himself," Arthur said with a smile. Merlin let out a sigh of relief and smiled back at Arthur.
"You are still a prat for bringing it up," Merlin complained.
"I did not bring it up, Gwaine did. Your welcome," Arthur said. Merlin rolled his eyes, and turned to the knights to see if they would ask any more questions. Everyone was quiet.
"Let us go to bed for the night. You can ask Merlin questions some other time. Know that you can still trust him though. He is still the same person, still our friend. I hope if you view him differently, it is only with more respect and regard for all he has done for us," Arthur said, looking all of his knights in the eyes, then he turned away from them, "I'll take first watch."
He found a rock a short distance from their enclosure of trees, where he could keep an eye on everyone in camp, and where he also had a good view of their surroundings. Everyone listened to him and went to their bedrolls, even Merlin for once. He must be tired from using all that powerful magic against Morgana. Gwen got to her bedroll, but instead of collapsing in it like he expected, she came over and sat next to Arthur.
"Gwen, you should rest. You need to heal, and it will be a long ride tomorrow," Arthur said.
"I will soon love," Gwen said and leaned against Arthur, and Arthur found that he could not argue with her. "So you found out about Merlin having magic, and then I was kidnapped, and then I returned brainwashed. That must have been frustrating," Gwen said.
"You have no idea… I wanted to tell you after we rescued you, but Merlin had a bad feeling, and I promised him I wouldn't. I was so worried when I found out that Merlin is Emrys, a powerful warlock. I thought that he was controlling me or wanted to manipulate me. Why else would he have agreed to be my servant? And even though I wanted to trust him, after Morgana, and Agravain, it was so hard. I kept doubting and second guessing his every action. I wanted to ask you this before so I'll ask you now. Am I a fool to trust Merlin? Do you think he is using me? He is supposedly the most powerful warlock to have ever lived," Arthur said. Gwen's eyes opened wide at that, but she was quiet as she considered what Arthur said.
"Arthur, I know how much Merlin means to you, even though you like to pretend otherwise. You trusted him with my life at the Cauldron, and you've trusted him with your own since he had told you, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have," Arthur said. "When he told me he had magic, I told him he had lost my friendship and my trust, and maybe for a moment that was true, but Gwen I cannot help wanting to trust him. Am I just going to be betrayed again? Is Merlin what is best for Camelot?"
"I can't tell you the answers to those questions Arthur, but I trust Merlin too. I mean he has had so many opportunities to betray you and Camelot. The only reason I can see that he would wait is if he is playing with us, but I just cannot imagine that of Merlin. I can tell deep down you trust him Arthur, and I think you have made the right choice," Gwen said. Arthur hugged her, and then pulled her up.
"I have been waiting so long to have that conversation with you. Thank you. Now, you must go and rest," Arthur said as he fondly pushed her towards her bedroll. She flashed him a grin, then followed his orders and got some much needed sleep. 'I think I made the right decision too. It is scary to imagine what would happen if I'm wrong about him, but I think Emrys is worth trusting.
