Chapter 9 In Memory

Arthur was working away in his room, when a knock on the door interrupted his writing, "Come in," he shouted looking up as the door opened. He smiled as Merlin came walking in looking bashful. "Welcome back, my friend," Arthur said, giving his friend an awkward hug. "I hear congratulations are in order!"

"Oh, news does travel fast. Although I get the feeling due to your wife you know more about my proposed marriage than I do presently!" Merlin grinned, following Arthur's hand and sitting down.

"I think this news deserves a drink," Arthur smiled.

Merlin took the glass from Arthur, not quite believing even now the turn of events.

"To Merlin and Mithian, a new beginning," Arthur toasted. They clicked glasses and after taking a gulp Arthur was intrigued to hear Merlin's news about the Magic School. "So, what did you learn about the School?"

"If we go about it in the right way, this could prove a real break-through, Arthur. To see young children gaining such benefits and support, in the right part of their lives was a revelation to me. If I think back to my own childhood, the isolation I felt from my own community, it could really change everything!"

"Is there anything more we could be doing to support the idea?" Arthur enquired, "This is the time to speak. Winter will be here soon so if there are any last minute's adjustments, we need to do them now, in time for the opening in spring,"

"I am going to meet Gilli this morning for a talk, so I will see you later and let you know if anything comes out of the meeting."

"That is fine. I suppose I had better fill you in with what's been happening here," Arthur suggested.

"Yes, I still feel like I'm on holiday. It was noticeable how the moment I arrived back in Camelot, how quickly the pace of life picked up once again,"

"I can imagine it would. I would spend today just catching up generally. I am going to visit Gaius and Alice later on."

"How are they?" Merlin asked, "I need to see them as well,"

"I barely see them, which is why I intend to visit them today and see how they are,"

Merlin laughed, "They just get on with their lives Arthur, now they've had this second chance. If anything, sums up the change in Camelot for the better, its Gaius and Alice having the chance to start over again,"

"When I think about how hesitant I was about Alice when you initially suggested her coming back, I realised just how wrong I was," Arthur admitted, "I actually find it quite liberating coming to terms with such situations now. Sometimes you just have to admit you made a misjudgement, so things can move on,"

"You have always been a good man in the heart, Arthur. I have always known that, as do others. We are all led to go in certain ways in our lives at the beginning, but being with others can challenge our initial outlook and make us think differently. I too, have learnt a lot over the past few years it has made me into the person I am now,"

"A very important man, that is something you need to come to terms with," Arthur said, regarding Merlin closely.

"Have you been talking to King Rodor by any chance?" Merlin laughed,

"You have to face it Merlin, you have become part of the ruling order now," Arthur grinned.

Merlin made a face, "That's true. I suppose you need someone to keep you on the right path,"

"Hey, I get enough of that from Guinevere!"

"How is Gwen and Lachlan?" Merlin asked, "I have missed telling him his bedtime stories,"

"He has missed them too. I am in the bad books a bit," Arthur said, looking sheepish.

"Oh?" Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I had just taken Lachlan down to the court yard the Knights were going through their paces and so naturally he wanted a go with one of the swords!"

Merlin made a face, "I am amazed you are still in one piece to tell the tale, I take it he is okay?"

"It was just a scratch as I keep telling Guinevere. I was really grateful she was so busy with your wedding celebrations,"

Merlin rolled his eyes, "So, apart from almost decapitating the new heir of Camelot, is there anything else I should know about?

"Decapitating? You are as bad as Guinevere! It was just a scratch," Arthur said, slightly colouring.

"I will see for myself tonight," Merlin smiled, enjoying Arthur's discomfort.

"I had a brief meeting with the Magic board, nothing really pressing and they would like you to tell them about your visit to Nemeth sometime. There was also reports of a struggle on our northern borders once again. I sent Leon up there but everything has settled down again,"

"Good, nothing from King Martin I take it," Merlin remarked, remembering the story form King Rodor.

"No, nothing as yet. Is he being invited to the wedding?"

"I'm not sure, after the incident with Mithian. I don't really know what to do," Merlin admitted.

"Well, we don't have to decide here and now anyway."

"No, either way I am sure Gwen and Mithian will have decided before I even get the chance to consider anything,"

Arthur laughed, "Take this advice Merlin, let them do what they want to do, they'll do it anyway!"

Merlin shrugged his shoulder, "You have changed your tune, this is something I have to admit I have little experience in. Anyway, I had better go and see Gilli. I will report back later. Give my regards to Gaius and Alice,"

"I will do, it's good to have you back Merlin,"

"It's good to be back home," Merlin admitted.

As the door shut and Arthur was alone again, he reflected on the many changes which had already taken a hold over the Kingdom. Merlin certainly had a point about Gaius and Alice he realised. He wondered how many others had been separated over years of persecution, once the Purge had taken a hold. He had always realised his father ruled Camelot with an iron fist, at times he had been an unenthusiastic player, forced to carry out his orders. There had been a few times when in his mind he had questioned his father's demands. But he felt there were still things he needed to confront. He felt sure in his mind he had people he could talk too, to learn more about Camelot's troubled past. He finished the letter quickly and made for the door. He stood outside the door of Gaius and Alice's room, he could hear her rhythmic voice and Gaius laughing, for a second he felt sad to break up their mood. He knocked on the door and hearing Gaius's answer walked into their room. As usual, there were bottles and potions everywhere.

"Sire," Gauis said, getting up and behaving very formally.

"Relax both of you. I have just come up to see how you both are. I haven't seen you for a while,"

"We are very well, thank you. We were just reminiscing about old times," Alice smiled.

"Don't let me stop you, I like to hear about the past," Arthur said, accepting the drink that Gaius offered him.

"I was telling Gaius about my old tutor Roland," Alice explained, sitting down.

"I remember Merlin mentioning him to me,"

"He was an expert in many ancient languages, my first teacher in the art of healing as well. A man of huge wit and intellect. But more than anything he had this uncanny ability to connect with people. By that I mean, all people from a King to the poorest of men. He always knew exactly what to say and how to say things,"

"I wish I had met him," Gaius admitted, "There were a number of people I lost touch with regretfully."

"When the Purge struck there must have been a lot of upheaval," Arthur suggested,

"It is less important about the past, the way we are moving now is making up for that," Alice said, quietly.

"With respect, I want to learn about the past. I wonder if I have done enough with the magical communities. I know how my father ruled Camelot, I too was an unwitting accomplish at time as well. It is only by understanding what happened before, that I can judge how much more I need to do now."

"That's a commendable attitude Arthur." Gaius said, respect in his eyes. "It was indeed a stressful time for many. There were a number of people in your father's employment who were arrested and tried. When your mother died, your father's grief was so overwhelming it just wasn't possible to speak and reason with him,"

"What happened with Nimueh?" Arthur asked, "I was always curious how she managed to escape,"

"I couldn't even tell you. In the aftermath of your mother's death, the Court was in uproar. She disappeared very early on. I saw her briefly after your mother had died. Then she disappeared from Camelot and Uther tried to track her down. I did meet with her once afterwards she tried to beg me to speak with Uther. But by then your father was committed to the path he was on,"

"It was as much what it did to the communities afterwards, which was as sad," Alice lamented. "Before the Purge hit, magic was fully integrated into life around all the villages and different Kingdoms. People would go to the healers if they had ailments, the Druids would come into the markets and sell their goods and potions. But once the purge hit everything around it broke down as well,"

"That is very true," Gaius agreed, sadly. "You would have family members turning in friends or neighbours, just a complete deterioration of relationships. From that a new world of fear and suspicion quickly took hold. I hate to think how many innocents were put to death around that time, especially early on"

"It wasn't just magical people who suffered either, but others who were classed as not normal. We became a society who no longer listened. Where before there was reason, we suddenly had a complete failure of trust and the barriers between people began to form," Alice explained.

"Then of course, there was the children who were drowned. I was so sad I couldn't do more to help them. I never told you this before. I suppose I should in view of our new open society. One of the children I did manage to smuggle out of Camelot was Morgause. She was only a baby at the time, but your father still wanted her situation dealt with. I gave her to the High Priestesses to look after her and told your father that she'd died,"

"I see. When you think about that, there is little wonder that some people took umbrage. The more I hear about the Purge, I feel like something more has to be done, to right the wrongs of the past,"

"You know you cannot be held responsible for what your father did before you," Alice said, "It is really refreshing that we can talk about it and be more open about the past."

"What about you two? How did the Purge affect you?"

"I had just become physician in your father's court when I met Alice. We struck a relationship right away, as we had so much in common. Did we not?" Gaius said.

"I was learning healing and doing an advanced Magic study, mainly in healing but also other therapies as well. I would go around the lower town and visit people and try out my new ideas on them,"

"She helped a lot of people in that time you know Arthur. She had a real flair for it, but virtually overnight, her work came to nothing."

"It was a stressful time for me and the people who had come to rely on me. Some people were so worried about whether they could afford treatment for their families," Alice explained,

"Your father had instructed a list to be made and I managed to take a look at it and discovered Alice's name was on it. So, I managed to scribble it off, which brought some time. It enabled her to escape from Camelot,"

"Can I ask why you didn't go with her?" Arthur asked,

Gaius looked at one from the other, "I suppose I was scared, I just had an official job and felt escaping suddenly would look suspicious. But it was very hard for me especially just after we had parted."

"It was hard for us both, which is why I was so happy to get the chance to come back. Thank you for that," Alice smiled,

"You are a very valued member of Camelot now Alice I want you to know that," Arthur said, "Thank you to both of you for being so honest,"

"What are you thinking of doing?" Gaius asked,

"There is someone else I need to speak too, not too sure yet. I will have a think about it," Arthur promised.

As he left Gaius's apartment, he realised that doing something shouldn't just be an idea but a reality. Too much had been left unsaid for far too long. He thought back to the conversation he'd had that morning with Merlin. His friend had spoken about his own isolation in growing up in a closed society. He had always suspected that the Purge had created suffering, but only when he faced the situation of Gaius and Alice had he realised how much pain it had caused. Now he had a chance to put that right and was determined to do so. He came to Hunith's door fearing that this could prove an upsetting experience. He knocked softly on the door.

"Come in,"

Arthur pushed open the door and found Hunith sitting at a table sewing a garment he suspected was for Merlin.

"Please don't get up," Arthur urged.

"I wasn't expecting you, had I known you were calling I'd have smartened myself up,"

"You look absolutely fine to me," Arthur assured her.

"Is this a social call, or have you come for something specific?" she asked, with a smile.

"A bit of both really. You must be delighted about Merlin's news,"

"I am, I think he and Mithian are very well suited. I never expected Merlin to find such happiness,"

"I agree I think it will be a very successful marriage. They have qualities that compliment, one another,"

"Yes, I think you are right,"

After a pause Arthur leaned forward. "Hunith, I would like to talk to you about something, but it's a very delicate matter,"

"There is nothing you cannot talk to me about, I assure you," Hunith replied, putting down her sewing.

"It is about Balinor," Arthur explained, noticing how the emotion filled her face at the mention of his name. "If it's too upsetting, I won't bother,"

"I'm sorry. It amazes me after all these years how emotional I still become, at the mere mention of his name. It was so long ago now. What would you like to know?"

"How did you meet him?" Arthur asked,

"Gaius smuggled him out of Camelot and sent him over to me in Ealdor. At first, he was a very distant man, still hurt by what he considered was a betrayal of his trust. But over time, I managed to break through and reach him. He was a very intelligent and honest man with a real heart inside him. But he could be incredibly stubborn about certain things,"

Arthur smiled, "It sounds like someone I know,"

Hunith laughed, "He says the same things about you,"

Arthur nodded in acknowledgment. "May I ask what happened between you?"

"We eventually fell in love he was always talking about marrying me but unfortunately events in Camelot overtook us. Your father, had found out where he was hiding and sent his Knights to track him down. He was forced to flee, leaving me with a child to look after," Hunith said, looking distant.

"I'm sorry," Arthur said, feeling emotional himself. "I'm taking it you never had the chance to tell him about Merlin?"

"I only found out I was pregnant after he'd gone. I so wish I could have told him, maybe then it could have been different,"

"You did an incredible job bringing up Merlin, you should be proud about that,"

"Thank you, he's a wonderful son. I am only pleased that now he can find his true potential. By bringing magic back, you have given many people hope and a sense of belonging,"

"But at what cost, when I think about what you have told me and also Gaius's and Alice's stories, it's made me realise I have not done enough," Arthur said, regretfully.

"If you allow me to give you a bit of advice?" Hunith replied,

"Please do," Arthur nodded.

"It's not looking back with regret that's important it's about doing something to put it right. By bringing magic back to the land, you are already contributing to a better world. All we can do is break down the barriers which existed, that will enable a new beginning for all our peoples,"

"Thank you Hunith, for opening up on your past like this. I am truly sorry for what happened to Balinor. I only hope by being here with us now, it goes some way to making up for the past,"

"You are a true King, Arthur. Merlin was right about you and I am proud of the job both of you are doing,"

"Thank you. Anything you need Hunith, you only have to ask," Arthur bowed, making his way over to the door.

"I'm just happy to be here, thank you for dropping in," Hunith smiled.

As Arthur walked down the corridor he made for his chambers, feeling suddenly emotional and raw. As he relived all the stories told to him, he understood now it was up to him to make a statement of intent. But what should he do? He decided he needed to speak to Guinevere and talk it through with her.

That evening after dinner, he decided to broach the subject with his wife. He could see she looked a bit preoccupied, which he presumed was partly due to all the planning for the upcoming wedding. He wondered if it might be a relief for her to be thinking about something else for a change.

"I saw Gaius, Alice and Hunith today," Arthur began, pouring them both a drink.

"I saw Hunith earlier on, she mentioned you had asked about Balinor. Was there any reason?" she asked,

"It was actually, something I've been thinking about for a while,"

"Go on," Gwen said, leaning forward and looking interested.

"I have been thinking about the Purge and wondering whether I have done enough, to right some of the wrongs done during that time," Arthur began, "I thought it would be a help to speak to people who had been affected by it inside Camelot,"

"I think that's a very worthy idea. When you say right the wrongs what were you thinking off exactly?"

"I'm not too sure at the moment. That is why I wanted to speak with you." Arthur asked,

"I see," Gwen smiled. "I will have a think,"

Arthur thought for a minute, suddenly a thought came into his mind. "That corner of the gardens on the path which leads down to the Lower Town,"

"What about it?" Gwen asked, intrigued.

"We could turn that corner into a memorial garden, for those lost in the Purge. I am sure Merlin has something we could use as a vocal point, a magical artefact or something."

"Yes, I like that idea. It wouldn't take a lot of planning either, the garden is already prepared. As you say, you just need something in the centre of it,"

"I'm due to meet him tomorrow. He may already have something in mind," Arthur reached over and kissed her, "I knew speaking with you would help me,"

"It was your idea, Arthur. I am really proud of you doing something like this." Gwen said, kissing him.

"I thought you could do with something else on your mind, you've taken a lot on,"

"The wedding you mean? I don't mind, I'm enjoying the challenge. Mithian seems happy with everything, though I need to catch up with Merlin as well. Speaking of which, I will have to get the apartment ready for her,"

"As long as you are sure, I don't want you tiring yourself out,"

"Don't worry. I know Mithian will take over once she arrives," Gwen smiled.

"God help Merlin then!" Arthur laughed.

The next morning after Merlin had spoken about the meeting, he'd had with Gilli, Arthur had mentioned the memorial. He had been delighted with Merlin's initial reaction. He was only too happy to help in any way he could. To Arthur's delight he even had an idea for what to put at the centre of the gardens. Arthur marvelled as to how quickly everything was coming together already. He was determined to finish off his paper work, then he could fully concentrate on bringing the strands together. He had already sent Sir Leon out to put some interest outside in the lower town and make people aware of the event. As he was ending his last letter, there was a knock on the door and an excited Merlin run through the door, holding a statue that Arthur did a second take at.

"What is that?" Arthur asked, curiously.

The artefact was brown in colour and had at the centre a large crater with a bird like figure diving into the centre of it.

"The bird is called a Shearling and it's the old symbol of magic. If you look what is in its beak, you will see a feather. This feather was an old symbol of the Kingdom at the time when magic existed in Camelot. You could say a return to the old days of all the people coming back together," Merlin smiled. "Joseph right now, is doing a little plague to go with it explaining the significance of the symbol,"

"Excellent work, now you mention it I do recall a similar tale from years past," Arthur smiled, "I found it in an old book, one my father had not banished into the depths of the castle,"

"Maybe we should find it once again." Merlin suggested,

"It will be somewhere upstairs in the old library. Maybe ask Lord Bevan, he may know something about it,"

"I may do that when everything is less hectic," Merlin suggested, "Is it still on for tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yes, I have sent Leon and the Knights out to invite people to attend. I am curious to see how many will turn up,"

"I think quite a few will, there seems to be a natural excitement building up around the Kingdom just now," Merlin pointed out.

"Thanks for agreeing to do the blessing. What are you going to use?"

"Probably my father's staff, there is an ancient prayer I have been learning, that should be sufficient,"

"Looking forward to it already," Arthur admitted, "A further step along the way,"

"Yes, that is an exciting prospect," Merlin smiled, making for the door. "With that in mind, I had best find my staff,"

Arthur nodded watching his friend running out of the room caught up in the meaning of the moment and hopefully what this would mean.

Next Afternoon

It was the middle of the afternoon and guests had been arriving for the unveiling. The Shearling had already been fitted into the middle of the garden, looking both prominent and striking. The plague proudly telling the story of Camelot's past when the Kingdom was united and all people stood together. The royal party arrived in the gardens with Merlin leading and Arthur and Gwen following escorted by the Knights. Alice, Gaius and Hunith were in the crowd looking on proudly. As Arthur reached the statue, he looked around him delighted that there were so many people present, especially ordinary people. It was exactly what he'd been hoping for. The crowd hushed as the King looked around him.

"I thank everyone for attending today. This is another major step towards reconciliation between our peoples. I wanted to grant a place for people who have lost family members and friends, a place where everyone can grieve together. For it is only when we come together that we can learn from our mistakes of the past and move forward. I have asked Merlin here to grant a blessing and to open these gardens, for everyone to use at their own personal way. Thank you, Merlin,"

Merlin nodded at Arthur. He was dressed in a long blue cloak, with big buttons well-padded making him look larger than he was. He slowly turned to the crowd raising his father's staff, "the story of the Shearling and the feather in its beak, tells the proud story of Camelot's ancient past. A past where everyone was united in belief and unity of spirit. I will now bless the garden in the language of the old religion. I hope this place brings peace to all our people's in whatever capacity they require,"

He raised the staff high above his head and looking up into the sky, his words shooting into the air. To a watching Arthur, it felt as if sparks were flying above them. While he didn't understand the words, he sensed the emotion in his friend's voice as they echoed around him. When Merlin's voice came to a crescendo, he could feel tears fill his eyes. He closed them, and let them run down his face. In that moment, he knew he had done the right thing. As Merlin came to the end of the prayer, there was a brief pause, before people enthusiastically applauded. After milling around meeting people, Arthur led the royal party back into the castle determined that today would be about the ordinary people and their suffering. As he walked back, Merlin placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Arthur, for this moment," Merlin said, emotion on his face.

Arthur took hold of his friend's arm. "It was long overdue my old friend," he replied, "Long overdue,"

A few days later, Arthur decided to go down to the gardens. He had kept a low profile in the beginning, but he now felt he felt an urge to see the gardens for himself. It was a late afternoon with the wintery sun sinking low into the clouds. He took a walk around the impressive monument which Merlin had blessed. He could see a few flowers had been left around it, with a few messages attached. He bent down and read a couple, his eyes brimming with tears as he read the sad words.

For the first time, he thought about Morgana. Not the mad, ruthless Sorceress causing mayhem. But the caring, considerate sister she had once been. He remembered the time he had escorted her to dinner, after beating the Knight Valiant. She had looked so radiant that night, every inch a true Princess of her manor. Except of course she wasn't, back then she was just known as his father's Ward. None of them could have guessed what would have happened, once that secret had been revealed. Arthur had never got around to asking his father, why he hadn't told him. It never quite seemed the right time. Uther had died of a broken heart. While it was true an assassin's knife had finally killed him, he had died a long time before then. He had never truly recovered from the breakdown of his relationship with Morgana. Arthur had never been able to talk to his father in the way he had wished. He had been left with questions he now knew would never be answered.

It had been hard for him to reconcile his father, to the King who had taken his Kingdom into a ruthless Purge. Even now, he could hardly bring the two situations together. He had never doubted his father's genuine pain over his mother's death, but how could he completely accept the reality of what had overcome Camelot next? He sighed to himself, wishing he could bring the past to a peaceful close. He shut his eyes, deep in thought.

"Oh, my Lord, I am sorry"

Arthur jumped as he became aware that he had company. He turned around and saw an old woman with some flowers in her hand. She had grey hair, but her eyes were full of life even if they were tinged with an unsaid sorrow.

"No need to apologise. You have come to lay some flowers?" Arthur said, looking at her.

"I have my Lord," she replied, looking nervous.

"Please, call me Arthur," Arthur said, a soft smile on his face. "I will leave you in peace,"

"I wouldn't mind some company Arthur, if you have the time," the old woman said,

"Yes, of course," Arthur replied, "May I ask what your name is?"

"I am called Else. I am remembering my two sons who died in the Purge,"

"Two sons?" Arthur asked, feeling a depth of pity.

"Yes, Thomas and Griffin," Else explained, "They were chalk and cheese, but so close. Their personalities were so different. Thomas was quite volatile in his opinions, Griffin was for ever trying to calm him down,"

"Can I ask what happened?" Arthur asked,

"The Purge was in its first days. I had begged Thomas to keep a low profile, but he was someone who just couldn't do that. If he felt something was wrong, he would insist on doing something about it. The day they were arrested, he was attempting to help a woman who was being taken away by the Knights. He used his magic, but someone came from behind him and knocked him out. Griffin had begged for them to release him, but they had refused. In the end, he demanded they take him as well."

Arthur felt utter despair as Else continued her story of how she had run to Camelot in time to see her two boy's final minutes. They had been executed together, and had died holding hands. There was a couple of minutes silence, before Arthur took her hand.

"I am so sorry about your two sons Else. I hope you accept my apologies for the wrong that was done to your children. I know this is no consolation but I hope in some way these Gardens will bring you a little bit of peace,"

"They do Arthur. Thank you for giving us somewhere for us to remember those we lost. You too lost your sister,"

"Yes, I was thinking about her just now. She was such a different person before we lost her, but now I have a greater understanding of her depth of suffering. It helps to realise that there were reasons as to why she went the way she did. While I am not excusing what she did wrong, I feel her isolation from those she loved, was at least a factor in how she turned out," Arthur admitted.

"Maybe we should remember her too Arthur." Else handed him a flower.

Arthur looked at the red flower, his eyes filling up, as he remembered how Morgana had loved these very same ones. The two of them knelt and put down their respected offerings. They stayed like that for a few minutes, Arthur smiling at the memory of Morgana's almost outraged tone, whenever the two had clashed. They had once been so close, in this moment he felt that closeness once again, like a comforting blanket.

Arthur helped Else up onto her feet.

"Thank you for your kindness Else. I hope this has given you a little comfort, if there is anything I can do for your family, you only have to ask,"

"We are all in good spirits, especially since the new beginning you and Merlin have put in place. I pray that once again our peoples will come together once again in true unity,"

"I share your hopes and dreams. I promise you we will do everything we can to make this a reality,"

"I am sure you will. Thank you, for staying with me. I must get back home," Else took his hand and squeezed it lightly.

He watched her hobble away, enlightened and cheered by her words. It would take time for everything to come together, he realised, but now more than ever he was determined to bring Camelot the peace it deserved. He would make right the wrongs which had been done in his father's time and lead his Kingdom into a new and better place.