First rays of the rising sun fell into the room, enlightening its interior with a warm yellow-orange colour. Some of them reflected off the shining armour that was put on the chest next to bed, making the glow of light dance on the wall. The other crawled slowly on the king's face. In half-sleep he turned his head towards the window and when light reached the line of his eyes he started to wake up. Arthur rubbed his eyes and slowly opened them. He looked around the chambers. The door was closed and only what he could hear was chirping birds outside the window. It was unlikely to have open curtains in the room and no one here bustling around to wake him. He got up from bed and walked to the window. He narrowed his eyes as the sunlight blinded him. Seeing horses on the grounds, he reminded himself that today they will be heading Camelot. Arthur's lips twitched into a slight smile at the thought of it. He hoped that finally after all that's happened the whole kingdom will live in peace. He faced the room and his eyes fell on his sword and armour. Something was missing.

Arthur was going down the stairs with no idea where he was heading, when he spotted one of the fairies on the half-floor who was about to enter the room.

"Excuse me," he walked to her quickly; "which way to the great hall?"

The fairy looked at him and smiled slightly. "You're almost there, when you are at the ground floor, turn into the left corridor and then right."

"Thank you," Arthur bowed his head and following her instructions he reached the great hall.

Inside he met Corelaine talking enthusiastically with the fairies. Women were so preoccupied with themselves that they didn't notice that someone had entered the room. Arthur walked quietly and sat at the end of the long table trying not to interrupt them. He helped himself with breakfast and as he was pouring water into a mug, he knocked down by accident the candlestick with a jug. Corelaine looked out of the corner of her eye at the place where the noise came from.

"Ah, King Arthur, good morning," she said.

"Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you," he glanced at her. "I'll just fix it up."

"That's fine. How was your night?"

"Good, thank you," Arthur smiled kindly, putting a candle in its place.

"Galahad is making ready in his chambers. He's very excited that he will be riding with you, sire. It'll be his first such a long journey since his expedition in search of the Grail."

"He never left Avalon since then?" Arthur took a sip of his water.

"No, only trips around the isle. It's not much, but he could still improve his equestrian and fighting abilities."

"Wish I could see him in action. Maybe he could make a great knight."

"As far as I remember, that was always his dream. To serve a good and great cause," she paused for a moment. "He's a warrior, but he never killed a man."

Arthur looked at her impressed that such a great warrior, as they say, never killed a man even in a duel or in self-defence.

"He has always been against bloodshed," Corelaine continued. "All the wars and battles are pointless. He believes that people are naturally good and everything can be solved without a sword."

"Your son is a good man and I also want nothing more than to make Camelot a peaceful place where everyone could live without fear of being attacked."

Corelaine smiled. "You are destined to make not only Camelot a peaceful place, Arthur. You are the king who unites kingdoms and its people. Each and every one of us believe in you."

Arthur felt honoured by her words, but he never thought of himself the same way they did. Since he became a king it seemed that the shadow of his father was following him every time he failed. Arthur always tried to make decisions that were true to his heart and do everything that would be the best for his people. But was it wise to lead hundreds of men to their deaths? Even if the battle has been won, what was the point of that after all? Corelaine's words echoed in his mind. Is bloodshed really needed for peace to be reached?

"Your faith in me gives me strength and hope," he said. "A hope that maybe one day I'll become worth these words."

"You prove it every day, Arthur."

They held each other's gazes for a moment. What Corelaine said was heartening. There was no doubt in them.

"Thank you for breakfast, Corelaine, it was really good," Arthur smiled at her.

She nodded, returning a smile. "I'll prepare supplies for you, there's a long road awaiting."

"It's very kind of you, I appreciate it."

He looked around the table and his eyes stopped on the chairs on which he and Merlin were sitting the previous day. Arthur frowned.

"Corelaine," he turned to a woman; "have you seen Merlin? He didn't show up in my chambers in the morning."

"He's at the stables preparing horses," she answered. "He said he didn't want to wake you up that early."

"I had enough rest. I'll go and check up on him," said Arthur and got up from the table. "Where do I find the stables?"

"On the grounds behind the tower."

He said goodbye to Corelaine and headed towards the doors.

Arthur walked out on the grounds located behind the tower from where there was a view of the eastern part of the lake. In the distance he noticed the stables and the horses grazing nearby. He'd approached as quietly as he could to not startle them and when he reached the stables he leaned against a doorframe. Arthur watched as Merlin was checking a harness of one of the horses. His friend had seemed very pensive from the day before, he didn't even talk that much as usual, which concerned Arthur.

"Slept well?" he said, which made Merlin jump.

"Arthur…," Merlin gasped. "Not at all," he answered after a beat, not looking at him.

"I noticed that… maybe you want to talk?" he asked.

Merlin glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "And where did you get that idea?"

"Something is troubling you, I can see that. You're too quiet."

Merlin didn't answer, he was struggling with fastening a saddle. Arthur walked to the horse and offered help to his friend.

"You're an open book, huh?" he said, glancing at Merlin.

"Hm?"

Arthur chuckled, adjusting the saddle, then he turned his eyes back to his friend. "I thought I knew you."

"But you know me," Merlin looked at him, stroking the horse's head.

"I realised I don't know anything about you at all. All these secrets, Merlin," he sighed. "I just wonder how much you haven't told me yet."

Merlin lowered his head, focusing on the horse and fighting with his thoughts.

"Well, I'm not pushing you. Hope you tell me when you're ready," Arthur turned to leave.

Merlin went after him and when they walked outside he finally decided to say what he was thinking since they had arrived at Avalon. "I'll escort you to the border, and then I guess I'll take another path."

Arthur stopped. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm not coming back to Camelot."

"What?" Arthur looked at his friend. He couldn't believe that Merlin said something like that.

"It will be better…"

"For whom will it be better?" Arthur cut him off. "Merlin, I don't understand," he made a step forward to his friend, staring at him in an attempt to read the answer from his face.

"The reason is, I'm a sorcerer," Merlin said simply.

Arthur sighed and looked away. Merlin watched him closely. It was difficult for both of them. "I don't care that you are a sorcerer. I just… can't accept the fact that you lied to me," he looked back at Merlin with sadness in his eyes. "Am I really that terrible friend that you haven't had enough trust to ever tell me?"

Merlin closed his eyes. He could sense bitterness and regret in Arthur's voice, which was hard for him to stand, because Merlin knew he had hurt the person he so much cared about, the person who put so much trust in him, and now that trust might have been broken. But for Merlin, the worst of it was that Arthur felt guilty that he failed him, that he failed in being a friend. Merlin looked at Arthur with glistening eyes.

"Remember? I didn't want to make it hard for you, to force you to make a decision about what to do with me."

"I would have done nothing, I wouldn't have told anyone," said Arthur.

Merlin sat down against a tree and started fidgeting with a blade of grass. "So… it doesn't matter to you that I'm a sorcerer," he looked ahead; "only that I lied to you about it."

"Of course it doesn't matter, and I don't hate you for this, if that was another thing that worried you," Arthur sat across from him.

"I never thought you would hate me," Merlin glanced at him. "You were scared, Arthur. I saw it in your eyes, you were scared of me."

The king nodded slightly after a moment. "It's true," he admitted. "When I found out I was a little bit scared, more in shock even, but now I tamed to it," Arthur looked in the distance. "That's understandable, if I were you, I would be afraid for my life too. But it has nothing to do with my beliefs whether I fear magic or not," he turned his head to Merlin. "Because there were times that I knew magic can be used for good, but then most of the time it was overshadowed by Morgause and Morgana's actions."

Merlin didn't say anything, he just sat there and listened in silence. Arthur continued. "And I felt betrayed for a moment because I couldn't believe that another person, who is very dear to me, had been lying to me for all this time," he paused for a beat. Merlin gave him an apologetic look.

"First Morgana, then Agravaine…," Arthur shook his head and looked into Merlin's eyes. "And I was afraid that you were gonna leave me like they did."

"Arthur," Merlin managed a slight smirk; "you know I'm never gonna do that. You wouldn't last a day without me."

"Oh, I beg your pardon," Arthur pretended to be offended; "I was coping by myself many times, especially when you were spending your time in the tavern."

"Do you really believe I was spending my time in the tavern?" Merlin chuckled and Arthur gave him a questioning look. "Gaius just couldn't come up with a better excuse for my absence."

Arthur scoffed and shook his head in disbelief, looking at the lake. "Secrets, Merlin, all these secrets."

"And every time when I magically made it back to Camelot," he said ignoring Arthur's words; "your chamber was a total disaster. Oh, and I didn't mention how many times I've saved your life," he glanced at his friend; "by using magic of course," he added.

Arthur laughed. "Maybe you have a point," he sighed. "You never sought any credit for it."

Merlin shrugged his shoulders. "Because that's not why I'm doing it."

"So…," said Arthur after a beat; "it means that you're coming back with me."

"Magic is still outlawed in Camelot and I'm sick of hiding it anymore."

"Aren't you forgetting something? I am the king, I can change that."

"You can't change the law just because of me."

"Yes, I can. And I'll do it," Arthur said. "Because you made me see that magic isn't evil. It's the way you use it. And you are the best example that magic can be used for good."

"There are more like me, believe me."

"I don't doubt that. But Merlin, you have to wait just a bit more with revealing your magic to the others. It could be a shock for the people of Camelot."

"Of course, but don't make me wait too long," said Merlin, getting up to his feet.

Arthur put his hand on his heart and bowed slightly his head in a sign of a promise.

"Well, you need to get dressed, you can't ride to Camelot like this," Merlin pointed at clothes Arthur was wearing. "I'll fetch it for you," he said emphasising every word.

"No, Merlin," said Arthur, passing him quickly; "with this one I can handle myself," he spared him a glance and ran towards the tower as Merlin laughed at him.

Arthur, Merlin and Galahad mounted their horses. Finally, the time has come to leave Avalon. Corelaine walked to the horse on which her son was sitting. She unhooked a small brooch from her kerchief that she wore over her shoulders and showed it to him.

"I want you to take this," she said. Galahad looked at the dove-shaped brooch. "As you know, it belonged to my mother. And now, when you're leaving, I hope it will bring you good luck."

Corelaine pinned a brooch to Galahad's belt, next to his sword. "Here, take care," she smiled at him and a lonely tear ran down her cheek.

He took her palms in both his hands. "Mother, don't cry, please. You know this is not a goodbye."

"These are tears of happiness," she replied, still smiling. "I'm very proud of you, my son."

He returned a smile and glanced down at the dove silvering in the sun. "Thank you."

Arthur and Merlin watched them as they were having their moment.

"It's time," Galahad said and Corelaine nodded.

She walked out in front of them and held up her hands incanting a spell. As she just began the enchantment, on the lake from the shore, a bridge started to show up. Arthur watched in amazement as magic was happening before his eyes while Merlin observed him with a slight smile. The bridge extended in an arc above the waterline and soon the end of it disappeared from their sight, likely reaching the shoreline across the lake. Corelaine turned towards the king, Merlin and Galahad.

"This bridge will grant you safe passage through the lake," she said. "It won't disappear until the last of you stands on the other side."

"Thank you once more," said Arthur. "I hope it isn't the last time."

"Who knows when and where our paths will cross again," Corelaine replied. "Good luck, king Arthur," she stepped aside, allowing them to enter the bridge.

Arthur and Galahad bowed slightly their heads to her and side to side they rode slowly onto the bridge. Merlin did the same and followed them after a moment.

"Merlin," Corelaine said and he turned his head towards her; "look after them."

"Like I always do," he answered with a smile.

She nodded and smiled back. Merlin made his horse move and rode after Arthur and Galahad. A slight gust of chill wind brushed against his face as he sped up to keep pace with them. There was no mist and no dark clouds above. Lake was peaceful and from the depths of the water no creature dared to make a sound. Merlin looked ahead at his king and Galahad riding next to each other. He felt the coming of a new age for Camelot, but the most, for Albion. He couldn't believe they actually had made it to this point. It was his destiny after all, but for then, he didn't care about it that much remembering what it cost him to fulfill it.

"I'll be faster, Arthur," said Galahad, glancing at him. "Yah!" he shouted, kicking his horse and bursting forward.

Arthur's eyes followed after Galahad as he overtook him. He scoffed. "No chance!" he tried to catch up with him.

Merlin saw them riding away quickly and shook his head. "Don't mind me," he said under his breath and forced his horse into a gallop.

Galahad and Arthur finally reached the shore and after a beat they saw Merlin approaching.

"What's so slow, Merlin?" Galahad asked.

"Oh, I didn't want you to lose," he said, joining them.

They looked back at the bridge which started to fade and eventually it disappeared completely.

"How far to Camelot?" Galahad turned to Arthur.

He looked around, slowly recognising a place. "Three days ride I think."

During the ride they had a good time telling different stories about all the adventures they lived. Merlin and Arthur learnt more about Galahad's childhood than they got to know while they were in Avalon. Arthur was the most interested in his new friend's tales and felt eager to tell about his own feats. Unfortunately, all of his acts of heroism, combats he had won and quests he had accomplished were diminished by Merlin's comments, which Arthur found very annoying, because he couldn't believe that most of his accomplishments had been achieved with a little help of warlock's talents.

"It's not fair!" exclaimed Arthur. Galahad and Merlin laughed.

"Whatever you say. If it wasn't for me, you'd be dead a hundred times," said Merlin.

"Was there anything I was actually able to do on my own?"

Merlin frowned thoughtfully. "Well, I need to think about that one."

"Merlin!" Arthur looked at him irritated, which made them laugh again. "I swear I'll put you in the stocks for all this."

"So that's the award for saving royalty's life?" Galahad chuckled.

"If it would stop him from lying, then yes," said Arthur, glancing at him.

Merlin held up his hand and stopped the horse, looking around. They fell silent. Arthur drew his sword watching the place carefully.

"What's wrong?" Galahad whispered.

Merlin turned towards their route and his eyes flashed gold. With magical sight he followed the path ahead, which after a moment, showed him a camp that was set up not far away from them. He returned his sight to the place they were in and looked at his friends.

"Bandits' camp," he said. "We have to take another way."

"We can turn right to the woods, where we could find a place to hole up for the night," suggested Galahad. "It's getting dark."

"And then we could head to the Valley of the Fallen Kings, which would save us a day of riding," Arthur added.

"But it's dangerous," said Merlin.

"Honestly Merlin, you should be afraid the least," Arthur turned his horse towards the forest and Galahad with Merlin followed right behind him.

By the time it was completely dark, they had found a safe spot in the woods to get some rest. Arthur made himself comfortable against one of the trees and quickly fell asleep, not worrying apparently, about possible dangers that might be lurking there. Galahad lit the fire to make them warm while Merlin was unpacking their bags.

"Hungry?" he turned to Galahad.

"Starving," he replied.

Merlin handed him a bag full of food that Corelaine packed for them.

"What about Arthur?" Galahad nodded at the king.

"Well, it seems he's not that hungry if he hit the hay so fast," said Merlin, eating a slice of bread. "He will have some in the morning."

They ate in silence, which was only broken by the distant hooting of an owl. The leaves on the trees remained still. Everything around was so peaceful that it made them feel safe and calm.

"Chilly night, isn't it?" Galahad spoke up quietly.

"Yeah, and very quiet, too quiet," Merlin's eyes drifted from Galahad to sleeping Arthur. He walked over to his horse to take some blankets and then he threw Galahad one of them.

"Thanks," he said, covering himself. "I'll take a watch."

"Are you sure?" Merlin asked, covering Arthur with a blanket. "Thought you were tired."

"Not as much like you, Merlin," he glanced at him. "I heard you didn't sleep well last night."

Merlin nodded slightly in agreement after a beat. He laid himself next to a tree, near the king and looked at the sky. There were no clouds and he could see all the stars flickering across the pitch-black endlessness. The light of the moon shone through the branches, creating shadows, so even though it was the middle of the night, it wasn't that dark. Merlin glanced at Galahad sitting next to a fire and then turned to Arthur. He drifted off as soon as he closed his eyes.

"Merlin," Galahad grabbed and shook his arms. "Merlin, wake up!"

"Wh… what's going on?" he jumped up suddenly looking at Galahad. It was just dawning.

"Bandits," he said and pulled back, drawing his sword.

Merlin only managed to shout out Arthur's name as bandits' screams drowned him out. He took a sword lying under the blanket and sprang to his feet to help Galahad, who started fighting with one of the bandits. A tall and muscular man stood in Merlin's way. He swung his hand at his head, but Merlin dodged and with a blink of an eye he knocked down his opponent. The metallic sound of swords crashing against each other reached his ears. He whipped around. Arthur was surrounded by three bandits and he fought off their attack.

"Watch out!" Galahad screamed to Merlin.

Warlock looked over his shoulder, lifted up his hand ahead and flipped back two men who were running towards him. He turned around and saw another one before him. The bandit was about to strike, when he fell heavily to the ground at Merlin's feet, wounded in the leg by Galahad. Merlin and Galahad nodded at each other and hurried towards Arthur, who was struggling in fighting three men to one.

"Hey! Face me," said Galahad, drawing the attention of one of the bandits to himself. The man attacked him with his sword, but Galahad knocked the weapon out of his hand with a swift movement of his blade.

Merlin approached two bandits from behind, who were fighting with Arthur. He looked up and saw a thick branch that was above them. "Forbærnan firgenholt," he whispered and his eyes flashed gold. The branch broke with a loud snap and collapsed on bandits. Arthur glanced from unconscious men to Merlin, panting heavily.

"Old trick, Merlin," Arthur spoke, but another group of screaming bandits started coming at them. "How many more are there?"

"Leave it to me," said Merlin and walked before them. He lifted up two hands and waited for bandits to get closer. "Hleap on bæc," his eyes glowed gold and the power of his spell made the bandits fly a few feet away. The rest of them, who had been knocked out, ran away seeing what Merlin did.

"I think that's all," said Galahad after a beat and looking around.

Arthur turned his head as he heard someone moaning in pain. Near them on the ground was a man. They walked over to him to see what's wrong. Bandit was holding his leg tightly and Merlin could see the blood leaking from under his fingers.

"What are you waiting for? Finish me," bandit said with a hoarse voice. "I'm dead already."

The three of them exchanged glances and then Galahad looked at the men stretching his hand to him. "Come on, it's not that bad," he said.

The man sneered. "You wounded me and now you offer me help?"

"You attacked us, we were defending ourselves," said Arthur. "We better ride if we want to reach Camelot by nightfall," he turned and headed towards their horses.

"We can't just leave him here," Galahad looked at Arthur. "He's bleeding."

"They could've killed us," the king said.

"But they haven't," he replied and looked down at the bandit. "I think he and his men got a lesson already."

Arthur glanced at the man, taking a moment to think about Galahad's words. "You're right," he eyed him. "Everyone deserves a chance."

Galahad nodded and turned his head to the warlock. "Merlin, do you think you could heal him?"

"I don't know," he shook his head. "I've tried healing spells on Arthur before and they had no effect."

"Maybe you said them wrong and that's why they didn't work."

"I'm sure not, these are very difficult and powerful types of spells. It demands a lot of energy," said Merlin; "and experience I guess."

"You can do it, Merlin," Arthur glanced at him.

Merlin nodded and smiled slightly. "I can at least try," he kneeled down beside the man and put his hand upon the wound. "It's gonna hurt a bit if it works," he glanced at the bandit. "Don't be afraid, it'll be all right," said Merlin, seeing man's uncertainty.

"Þurhhæle licsar," as Merlin said that, the man hissed from pain that the healing spell caused him and the stench of burnt skin rose in the air as the wound began to close. Merlin took off his hand and looked at the man's healed leg. "You'll live."

"You've done well," the bandit assessed Merlin's work. "Thank you, I don't know what else to say."

"Thank you is enough for me," said Merlin.

"May I know who I actually owe my life to?"

"Merlin," he answered and the man nodded.

"You're free to go," said Arthur. "And better hurry up before I change my mind."

Bandit got up to his feet and walked away disappearing behind the trees. Arthur, Merlin and Galahad mounted horses and continued on their way.

"I feel… different," said Arthur when they travelled a wide road through the Forest of Brechfa.

"Well, I'm not surprised," Merlin replied. "You've been brought back from the dead. It must feel almost like a new life."

"I wasn't dead at all," he muttered. Galahad glanced towards them. "And that's not what I meant by saying that I felt different. It's all about you."

Merlin gave him a questioning look.

"I feel different being around you," said Arthur.

"What… me?"

"You know… you, being a sorcerer using magic when I'm around."

"You'll get used to it," said Merlin. Galahad was still listening to them. "And it changes nothing at all."

"Yeah, I guess," Arthur glanced at his friend. "It's kind of funny. This whole situation, we're riding horses through the woods, just like it used to be. Ordinary situation, but you… happen to be not ordinary. And that makes me feel really, really strange. Because you are above all this, you're special."

They became silent for a moment when Merlin spoke up. "Wow… I didn't expect that coming, I'm flattered," he smirked.

Arthur looked at him. "Oh, don't be ridiculous, Merlin. You're still the same idiot like you used to be."

Merlin laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" Arthur asked, holding back a smile.

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just… good to have you back," he looked at him. "And you're right, I'm still the same person," he continued. "Well, maybe without the 'idiot' part, but yeah, like I said, nothing's gonna change. I keep promises."

Arthur smiled at this.

"And I believe, you either," Merlin added.

"What?" he frowned

"Keep promises."

"What promises?" Arthur asked.

Merlin sighed. "You said you'd give me two days off."

"I don't recall saying so," Arthur looked ahead.

"But you did."

"Then I must have been on a cider," he murmured.

Merlin rolled his eyes.

"You two really love each other," Galahad chuckled and Merlin and Arthur glanced back at him.

"You saying?"

They stopped their horses on the hill from where they had a view of Camelot.

"Here we are," said Arthur.

"It's beautiful," whispered Galahad.

"Are you ready?" Arthur turned to Merlin.

"I should've asked you the same," he glanced at him.

"More than ever," he clicked his tongue and rushed on the horse towards the castle. Merlin and Galahad followed him.