A/N Hey everyone so this chapter is a bit long there will be a few flashbacks and a special surprise that I hope ya'll will like but I won't spoil it till the A/N at the end.

I used some quotes from Season 5 the Disir Episode and Season 1 To Kill a King so if they sound familiar thats why. This chapter is a rewrite of the Disir episode some stuff are the same but their are some very important points in here so do not skim thinking you know what's going on.

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of their lines or characters I am just using both for this story. No this story is obviously not for profit I do this for my own amusement. Thank you.

Merlin and Gwaine had just entered the citadel. The men got off their horses and handed the reigns to one of the stable hands.

"Arthur should be at training let us see if we can catch him so I can explain what happened," Merlin told Gwaine and together they went to the training grounds to see Arthur and Mordred fighting each other. Mordred was quite good at keeping up with the king.

"So, Mordred is like you then?"

"How do you mean?"

"You both want the same thing, freedom."

"Yes, in that way we are alike."

The clashing of swords and shields continued the rest of the knights ignoring the pair focusing on the king and his knight.

"Do you think he is using m-maggots?"

Merlin snorted, "No Gwaine he isn't. Mordred surprisingly is good enough with a sword he doesn't need… maggots."

Gwaine nodded before turning to Merlin and then back to the king and druid sparring, "Have you ever used maggots in a fight against Arthur?"

"I can't exactly do that. He'd find out what I was doing."

"No, I mean before he knew."

"Once, almost won though. I'll tell you about it another time," The servant said watching as Arthur ended the match and helped the druid up.

"You're getting good Mordred. Very good."

Mordred grunts as he is pulled up and smiles "My lord."

"I may have to start trying soon."

"My lord!" Merlin calls applauding.

"Merlin! Welcome back. Gwaine how was the trip, I hope there were no issues?"

Gwaine scoffs at the threatening tone, "Definitely no issues."

Arthur nods.

"Well, there was something. Arthur we should go talk in your chambers." Merlin whispers moving closer to Arthur.

"Something happened? With Gwaine or?"

"No. I got some information about a letter for you." Merlin said softly watching as Arthur quickly nodded.

Arthur nodded then turned to address the rest of the knights, "Alright everyone that's enough for today."

In Arthur's chambers.

Merlin and Arthur were sitting on two chairs facing each other.

"Remember the letter I showed you before I left from the Sidhe?"

"The warning of my death if I don't accept magic."

"Yes, that one well in Ealdor I ran into a man named Isidro he travels with the druids and was sent to meet me. He like the Sidhe king asked me in this letter to protect you. The Triple Goddess has ordered for your presence so she may pass judgment. Isidro says that the Triple Goddess may trick you. He didn't say how exactly just that when the time comes, I'd know and that it was best to listen to her words."

"I don't take orders from the triple goddess. She also has no grounds to judge me."

"You have committed several acts against magic I'm sure she doesn't take that lightly."

"I'm king Merlin. I have only upheld the law and all things considered I have been lenient towards magic folk recently."

"Recently but you've also led plenty of raids against druids, captured, tried, and killed several sorcerers-"

"The only time I ever led raids were under my father's orders as for all the sorcerers they were enemies of the state. They were evil Merlin they tried to kill me or attacked Camelot."

"Yes, but not all of them were guilty."

"They used magic that makes them guilty."

"With that logic, I'm guilty too!"

"It's not the same and you know it. And this isn't even the point. The point is that I don't recognize the triple goddess. She has no authority over me or Camelot. I don't follow the old religion, Merlin. As for magic I already told you I'm working on it. Just let me free magic my way."

Merlin sighed and nodded, "I don't blame you and I am letting you handle this. I know the issues with the council."

"Good."

"Good."

"So was there other news from Ealdor?"

"Nothing of concern," Merlin said looking off to the window.

"Why don't I believe you," Arthur starts shaking his head with a grin, "Poor Hunith handling you is one thing, but Gwaine."

"Ha. Ha. Honestly, I rather not talk about it. My mother is fine. Gwaine accepted me that's all that matters."

"If you say so."

"What happened here while I was gone?"

"That will have to wait we have a meeting with the knights to attend to first."

After the knights meeting, Arthur could not talk to Merlin as he had to prepare to head out on a patrol to find a sorcerer named Osgar who escaped capture and mortally wounded one of Arthur's childhood friends and Knight of Camelot Sir Ranulf.

Merlin, Mordred, and Arthur had a wounded Osgar before them.

"Sire my name is Osgar"

"Oh, we know," Arthur said him and Mordred preparing their swords to strike.

"I am sent by the Disir to pass judgment on you Arthur Pendragon Once and Future King. It is my sacred duty."

"I refused to be judged."

Osgar laughed, "No one can refuse judgment from the Gods."

"Arthur listen to him."

"Merlin I already told you."

"I know, but just once can you listen."

Arthur sighed and turned to the sorcerer, "I will hear your god's judgment whether I will believe it is something else entirely."

Osgar shook his head at the King's foolishness, "Very well put out your hand" The sorcerer places what looks like a coin in his palm "it is done."

Arthur flips the coin over then turns to the sorcerer, "What is the meaning of this?"

"That rune holds the judgment of the Triple Goddess if you wish to continue on this path you must find the Disir's cave to discover what they have said."

"Why should I?"

"The circle of fate begins to close as Camelot flowers the seeds of her destruction begin. You have refused to accept the old religion and her peoples if you wish for Camelot's prosperity you must change your ways and redeem yourself." He says in finality taking a final breath before dying.

"Arthur?"

"I'm heading back to the camp."

Merlin nodded watching as he left.

"Emrys if the Triple Goddess has found Arthur worthy of passing judgment, he must seek out the Disir that Osgar mentioned."

"I know, Mordred but the situation with Arthur is… difficult. He accepts us, but he doesn't understand us. Our ways. He doesn't have to follow the old religion, but he should at least respect it and accept its people."

"How can he not accept it? Shouldn't having magic be enough to prove that our powers were granted to us by a higher order."

"Not to everyone. Those who don't know us would call us Heretics for what we are discussing."

"Perhaps."

Merlin sighed and moved to pick up the man.

"What are you doing?"

"He deserves a place to rest. Will you help?"

Mordred nods as he helps Merlin pick up the body of their fellow sorcerer and move him to prepare him a grave.

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"What would the king say if he saw us?" Mordred asked as he and Merlin finished setting the stones that would serve as a marker for the sorcerer's grave.

"Mordred, you know it won't always be like this we will live in freedom again. Arthur is already finding a way for magic to be accepted."

"You really believe that he will find a way?"

"I do."

"Until then we will go unmarked in death as in life," Mordred said smiling as he and Merlin rose taking a moment to look at their work.

Three days later

"Merlin."

Merlin ignored the king as they made their way to Gaius's chambers. It had been three days since Osgar had died and during those three days, he and Gaius have tried to look at any information they could find on the Disir warry of the events to come while Arthur failed to see sense claiming the words of Osgar were from a deranged sorcerer.

Merlin, please I haven't seen you smile these past three days."

"I don't think there is a great deal to smile about."

"Merlin, why does it mean so much that I believe the words of Osgar?"

Merlin continued to Gaius' entering the chambers. The physician was sitting on his worktable several books opened in the middle of researching.

"Sire, thank you for coming please," Gaius says motioning for the king to take a seat.

"As you know this is a rune mark. In times past this coin is said to arise great fear as it is given to those wanted by the court of the Disir."

"Who exactly are the Disir?" Merlin asks having heard the name several times already but not finding much about them.

"They are the highest court of the old religion. A group of three women chosen at birth to be trained as seers and soothsayers their only task to interpret the word of the Triple Goddess. It is said that when they sat in judgment their word was final."

"So, since I have been given this coin that means?"

"It means, Sire that the Triple Goddess has found you worthy of their judgment. When you accepted the rune, it embedded itself with your guilt and the god's judgment."

"This is nonsense surely," Arthur exclaims, "I make my own path."

"Do you? It is said only the gods can alter a man's fate and even then, only when he repents and appeases them."

Arthur ran his hand through his hair turning to the physician with his eyes narrowed, "Do you think I should heed this superstition? I mean surely you can't believe this. Do you believe this?"

"Sire, I am old enough to be wary of other people's beliefs. Your father had always ignored warnings blaming superstitions that later turned out to be true. I recall talking to your father before he refused to seal Sigan's tomb so many years ago and I am sure you can recall the destruction that came about from his decision to ignore mere superstition."

Arthur takes a deep breath and slowly picks up the coin holding his fate from the table.

"So, it is in your opinion I should take them seriously?"

Merlin smiled, "I think you already have."

"Merlin!"

Merlin stops as he sees Gwaine rushing towards him.

"Arthur just told us we leave tomorrow to search for the Disir."

"Yes."

Gwaine opened his mouth to question the quest when he noticed Merlin was heading out of the palace. "Where are you going?"

"I need to go meet someone. The rune given to Arthur holds the god's judgment there is only one person I can think of who may know what their judgment is without having to go to the Disir."

Gwaine's eyes widen grabbing the warlock's arm, "I'm going with you."

Merlin starts shaking his head, "No, no, no. Gwaine you can't."

"Please! Come on Merlin. It's him isn't it?" Gwaine begs giddy at the possibility.

"Gwaine- ""Merlin-"

"Gwaine this is important. I can introduce you another time."

Gwaine crossed his arms over his chest.

"Fine, I'll introduce you, but then you must leave so I can talk to him alone."

"You won't regret this."

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"Hello, Merlin. You must be Strength."

Gwaine stayed still head upwards gawking at the giant dragon. His eyes narrowing on the creature's golden eyes glowing in the darkness.

Merlin held in a laugh elbowing Gwaine in the side.

"Hello," Gwaine said after straitening his posture and clearing his throat.

"This is Gwaine, I have told him about me and when he heard I was meeting with you he wanted to come."

Kilgharra nodded, "I am glad you are opening up your circle of trust Merlin, however, you must be wary of those you trust. While the king is making progress with allowing magic in the kingdom there is still those who follow Uther and his prejudices."

"Not I. That's to say I can be trusted. Merlin is my best mate and I'll protect him."

"That I am sure of Sir Gwaine. Your friendship is true and in your journeys you have proven yourself to be courteous to those with different values than your own."

"Thank you."

Kilgharra nodded, "There is more to this meeting than just an introduction. Why did you call me, Merlin?"

"Yes, well. Gwaine could you?"

Gwaine looked a little off-put but nodded bowing his head, "It has been an honor. I'll wait for you by the city gates, Merlin."

Once Gwaine left Merlin started explaining what has happened since he last called the great dragon back in Ealdor. Making sure to explain the severity of the rune.

"You were right to summon me."

"Do you know what it means?"

"The rune mark predicts Arthur's death."

"When? When will Arthur die?"

"You should know by now that the future is never clear there are many paths not all lead to Camelot's ruin."

Merlin nodded biting his tongue when he last called Kilgharra he chose not to bring up how the druid's relationship with him and Arthur had changed.

"What about Mordred?"

"His fate and Arthur's are bound together like ivy around a tree."

"So, you believe that Mordred's fate remains the same?"

"You know the answer to that however, it seems you may be having doubts. What have you not told me?"

Merlin sighed explaining how he decided to give Mordred a chance and how Arthur has grown close to him despite knowing how Mordred will be the one to kill him.

"Perhaps you failed to explain to the king the seriousness of the matter."

"Believe me. I didn't."

Flashback

"Wait so there's a prophecy about Merlin who is called Emrys?" Gwen says as Arthur and Merlin try to catch her up a few hours after Arthur and Merlin went to the King and Queen's shared chambers to find Gwen.

Both men nod and Gwen turns from Merlin to Arthur, "And he's a dragon lord?"

"Yes, I am. Is that alright?"

Gwen lets out a deep breath, "Yes. It's just a lot to take in. Wow. So, you can control dragons, but wait if you can control them why didn't you stop the dragon from attacking Camelot?"

Merlin tenses up a little and Arthur decides to answer for him, "Merlin was not a dragon lord at the time. Dragon lords are somewhat like nobility. I spoke to Geoffrey asking about the history of dragon Lords and he said that dragon lords were revered in the old day, most were actually nobles. Your father especially."

"What? You asked Geoffrey"

"Yes, I was wondering if, it was possible, for another dragon lord to be found so we might be able to recruit him to fight against Morgana. Obviously, I lied for my real reasons, but he let me know a fair amount."

"My father was a nobleman?"

"Yeah, I found that hard to believe too but yes. Balinor Ambrosious. My father made sure to strip him along with the other dragon lords of their lands and titles. As well as destroyed any few written works on the subject during the early days of the great purge. Dragon Lords were very secretive about their ways most of their history was shared through word of mouth so through the persecution and eventual execution of all dragon lords he made sure to stop their relevance. I'm surprised Geoffrey managed to find anything about them he might know more but he was very cautious with what he said."

"Not surprising," Merlin mutters.

"To answer your question from what I learned from my father is that a dragon lord's powers are passed from father to son after the father's death."

"Oh, Merlin I'm so sorry."

"Thank you. It hurt but I am grateful for having met him even if only for a day."

Gwen nods, "You mentioned swords? Dragons can make special swords and you made one for Arthur?"

Arthur scoffs, "No apparently only the Once and Future King is worthy of a sword made by Merlin."

Merlin laughs ignoring Arthur, "I have burnished a sword before using dragon fire, yes."

The wheels in Gwen's head were turning as she glanced at Arthur's sword. She has examined it before, and she has no doubt that it was her father's work. Finding out how it even got stuck in stone was something she struggled to understand but if Merlin took the sword then it must mean that Merlin was the one who must have put it in the stone.

"You burnished my father's sword," Gwen stated looking at Merlin, a smile on her face watching as Merlin's eyes widened figuring out that she knew.

"I did."

Arthur looked at the pair lost. "Are you saying that you and Gwen's father made a sword for this king?"

Gwen looks at Arthur and stifles a laugh at her husband's obliviousness.

"He doesn't know does he?" She tells Merlin her body shaking in mirth,

"No. I was planning to tell him after I told him about my magic."

"You wanted to see if you could trust him?"

"No, I have always trusted him I just wanted to know if he accepted me and he does."

"Oh, Merlin of course he was going to accept you."

"I didn't know that. I mean look at how you reacted."

Gwen frowns, "It was surprising, but I think all things considered I handled it well I just needed a minute to think. So, are you going to tell him now?"

"I gave a lot of hints I'm surprised he still doesn't know."

"Tell who what?" Arthur says confused by their back and forth.

Merlin sighed and looked at Arthur's sword before turning to Gwen nonverbally asking, 'are you sure he's ready?' to which she nodded. Looking back at Arthur he spoke in a soft clear tone speaking only truth, "There is only one Excalibur as there is only one Once and Future King. You are that king, Arthur. Together we will unite the lands of Albion. All of Briton will be united under one rule, yours bringing forth a golden age of peace and prosperity."

Arthur's face contorted in thought as he looked at the pair then to the sword at his side. After a long moment, Arthur calmed and let out a loud laugh in hysteria, "I'm not. I can't. I'm the Once and Future King." Then looking at Merlin he smirked, "So you think I'm great?" he says referencing what Merlin had said about the king.

"I also said you were a prat. Don't let it go to your head you couldn't even figure out it was you I was talking about. Obviously, I will be the one doing the majority of the work in this partnership"

Arthur would deny it if it was ever brought up, but he did not, absolutely did NOT blush or stutter at all! Because he's the king and kings do not blush or stutter.

"Shut up, Merlin."

Merlin and Gwen laughed.

Arthur most definitely did not crack a smile for a split second. Nope. Not at all. He was scowling. He was!

"Wait! If I'm the Once and Future King. You mean to say that I was right that whole story about the sword in the stone was a load of rubbish! You said it was an old tale you wanker."

Merlin bit his lip to stop from laughing but failed, "Yeah, complete rubbish, but it served its purpose. And technically it did have a shred of truth you are Camelot's rightful king and that sword was made for you. It just took me a while to hand it over."

Arthur shook his head suddenly remembering something else from the prophecies. "You said it was Mordred's destiny to- "he stops not wanting to utter the words.

"To what?" Gwen asks curious as to why Arthur stopped.

"Nothing. It's not true."

"Arthur it's his destiny."

"No, I refuse to believe Mordred would ever do that. He chose to betray Morgana. Mordred paves his own path. The future is not set in stone."

"What's Mordred's destiny?"

"He's destined to k- "

"To unite with Morgana in evil, which will not happen! I trust Mordred he is a good man and he will be an even better knight of Camelot. I will not judge him just because some winged lizard who has actually destroyed Camelot and killed hundreds of its citizens says so over a man who has not only saved my life but has chosen to serve me and my kingdom."

"Arthur, I saw it!"

"So, you're a seer now too!" The king says condescendingly.

"I am not a seer, but I have seen the future! I have tried to stop the future and it can't be stopped, believe me, I've tried."

"How? How exactly have you tried, Merlin? By alienating Mordred. By not seeing him for who he is now and only seeing what he could become. Just because he might in some future doesn't mean it will."

"Morgana saw the future. She saw your death several times."

"I don't know if you know this but I'm alive that just pro- "

"No. Because even though I managed to save your life, time after time everything she said happened exactly. She predicted Sofia would drown you. She predicted your death by the Questing Beast. She predicted Sigan's rising. It all happened, Arthur! And when I saw the future of Morgana attempting to kill your father during the time of her birthday, I tried to stop it! I did everything I could, but it just happened anyway. And the only reason it didn't was because I intervened."

"Well if by fate's hand it happens then you will save me, but I refuse to turn my back on him. If he decides to betray us that will be his choice but at the moment, he is a friend who has done nothing to warrant our distrust."

End of Flashback

"You have seen what has happened last time you failed to heed my warnings with the witch. It is only a matter of time when the druid will be forced to pick his path and the Goddess has made it so that his goals are aligned against yours."

"Mordred loves Arthur and Arthur cares for him as well. Arthur is working on bringing magic back Mordred knows this. So why? Why would he suddenly decide to turn his back on Arthur when he knows Arthur has already accepted him?"

"I may know of the future but even I am not all-knowing of a man's motives."

"Is there a way to prevent Arthur's death?"

"Sometimes to save the tree the ivy must be cut," Kilgharra uttered before flying off

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

Merlin nodded at Gwaine as he reached the gates.

"Thanks for waiting."

"It's alright. He's not much of a talker, is he?"

Merlin laughed, "He's lousy. He prefers one-sided conversation instead and spewing out annoying riddles and analogies."

"He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear?" Gwaine asked as they made their way towards the palace.

"Not even close," Merlin answered trying to understand what he should do. Was his friendship with Mordred just history repeating itself? Gaius had once told him that in science it was good to double-check results. If the results were different the second time, then there must have been something different done in the scientific process. What can he do to deviate his results from having Mordred end up like Morgana? Would a scientific approach even apply in this instance against destiny?

The following day

The group had finally reached the Disir's cave.

"Arthur wait!"

"What Merlin?"

"This is sacred ground we must leave our weapons out here."

"You want us to go unarmed?"

"Yes."

"I don't think so."

Merlin shook his head, "Arthur remember what Gaius said. Besides, I'll be by your side I will not let anything happen to you or the knights."

Arthur groaned but removed his sword and sheath from his side laying it on the ground. "We are on sacred ground! Remove all of your weapons and leave them out here! Do not touch anything once we enter, the last thing we need is another druidic possession." He mutters wincing slightly as he sees Eylan shiver.

"Thank you," Merlin tells him.

"If anything happens," Arthur growled leaving it at that before pushing past him and entering the cave the rest of the knights following.

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"I am Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot. As you can see, I have come unarmed in good faith to know the meaning of this." Arthur says tossing the coin across the room to lands at the hooded women's feet.

"The Gove of Breneved is in the Kingdom of Camelot, subject to its laws, its decrees. Every, man however humble, however noble, has the right to be judged only by his peers. Yet you judge me in my absence. Explain yourselves."

"We do not judge." One speaks only for another to take over.

"We do not condemn."

"We are but the internuncio of the one who presides overall."

"Who sees all"

"Who knows all."

"The Triple Goddess" the three speak together.

"and you Arthur Pendragon have angered her."

"How so? Have I not been an honorable king? Have I not made Camelot a fair and just kingdom?"

"So much is true, but you have denied the old religion." One starts.

"Dismissed its faith." Speaks another.

"Persecuted its followers."

"Even unto slaughter."

Arthur sighed already having heard this spew of words from Merlin. "I fought against sorcery and superstition in the past, but I have changed. If your goddess is truly all-knowing and all-seeing, and you speak for her then you should know that. I will uphold the laws of Camelot and fight against evil. I will fight against wrongdoings and if some of those wrongdoings happen to be acts committed by sorcerers. So be it."

"You dare come here to the most sacred of the sacred to the very heart of the old religion."

"And belittle the Goddess!"

"With conceit!"

"With insolence!"

"You must change your ways."

"Embrace the Old Religion, Arthur Pendragon."

"Or risk the Ire of the goddess the destruction of everything you most value"

"The end of your reign."

"The fall of Camelot itself"

"ENOUGH!" Arthur bellows, "You cannot command me! I alone choose whether magic will be accepted, and I alone make the decision. I do not need the goddess's approval. I make my own fate! We are done here!"

As Arthur turns to leave the cave starts to shake, Mordred noticing one of the women preparing to launch an arrow in Arthur's direction.

"ARTHUR!" Mordred yells pushing Arthur out of the way and taking the arrow himself falling to the ground wounded.

"Merlin!" Arthur yells as he rushes towards the fallen druid, "Fall back!"

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"How is he?" Arthur asks Merlin once they are safely out of the cave.

"It's not an ordinary wound, sorcery is involved."

Arthur nodded he expected that, "Can you heal him?"

Merlin nodded, "Only with magic and I won't be able to do it here. We must take him to Gaius."

"Merlin he is dying." The king says emphasizing the severity of the situation to Merlin

"I can take away his pain, but I can't heal him here in front of everyone. We'll take him to Gaius and there we can come up with an explanation as to how a mortal wound which over five knights have seen healed itself."

Arthur looked troubled but nodded, "Do want you can to make him comfortable. Ride with him back it'll be easier for you to cast your spells on him."

Merlin nodded helping Mordred up onto his horse his eyes flashing gold smiling as Mordred let out a relieved breath no longer in pain, but still unconscious.

At Gaius's

"Is there a way to heal him, Gaius?"

"The only way to heal sorcery is with sorcery. It is up to Merlin to save Mordred."

Arthur nodded turning to Merlin and signaling for him to get to it. Merlin nodded locking the door than heading to his room to get his spellbook from under the floorboards.

Once he returned, he turned to one of his healing spells took a deep breath, "Vulde sana rettver hur fywam."

"That's it?"

Merlin paused looking at Mordred muttering the phrase again eyes flashing gold.

"Merlin?"

"Vulde sana rettver hur fywam!" Merlin growled a third time before slamming the book shut and turning to Arthur.

"By that, I'm assuming it didn't work."

"No."

"Why not!"

"I can't just do things for you on command. Magic doesn't work like that. Just give me a second. I'll keep trying I don't usually get spells on the first try."

Arthur nodded eyes narrowed, "What if you can't?"

"Let's not worry about that until we have to."

Arthur was in his chambers sitting in thought as Gwen entered.

"He will be alright. Merlin will save him."

"What if he doesn't?"

"He will."

"Guinevere. Merlin and Mordred have a difficult relationship. They may have come to an understanding, but, "he trails of putting his head down on the table.

"But?"

"I believe Merlin will do whatever it takes to save me despite the consequences. Merlin believes Mordred will betray me and join Morgana."

Gwen gasped shaking her head, "Merlin wouldn't do that. Yes, he will go to great lengths to protect you, to protect all of us, but not this. He and Mordred have broken bread together. They are great friends in the making. They understand one another in a way we can't. They can support each other. Merlin also knows what Mordred means to you."

"You weren't there Gwen. Merlin and I have had several disagreements that we have got through, but I don't know if Mordred is one of them."

"You should trust him," Gwen says wrapping her arms around his shoulders and laying a kiss on the top of his head.

Merlin muttered healing spell after healing spell. Going from ones he has used before to new ones and none of them seemed to work. Merlin knew healing spells weren't his forte, but this was getting ridiculous the last time he remembered taking this long mastering a spell was in the early days when he first arrived in Camelot.

"Vulde sana rettver hur fywam." Merlin spoke eyes flashing gold but the wound on Mordred's chest still remained.

"Did it work?" Gwen asked from the doorway where she was watching him making him jump off the bench arm out towards her defensively before he recognized her and lowered his hand.

"Gwen don't scare me like that. I didn't even hear you."

"Good thing it was me and not someone else."

Merlin smiled, "Yeah."

"Maybe you have the wrong spell?"

Gwen said making her way towards the cot where Mordred lay sitting next to Merlin on the bench next to it.

"I have tried different spells none are working."

"At all?"

"Yes, at all. I don't know why."

Gwen bit her lip unsure how to approach the topic she had with Arthur. Merlin having known her for a while managed to pick up on her uncertainty.

"Gwen, what is it?"

"I'm sure I'm wrong, but perhaps- "

"Gwen if you think you know why this is not working let me know."

"Well don't get mad, but what if the spell is not working because you don't… want it to work?" Gwen says softly causing Merlin to look at her a hurt look at her words.

"You think I'm failing on purpose?"

"No! Of course not. It's just maybe on a subconscious level you don't want it to work."

"Gwen I am doing everything I can to save Mordred. You don't know about magic so I'll forgive you for not being aware, but spells are complex not all of them can be done on the first try no matter how powerful of a sorcerer I am. I have also not been blessed when it comes to healing spells." Merlin tells her calmly knowing that she didn't mean what she said to hurt him.

"It's just Arthur said- "

"What did Arthur say?"

"Well, he has doubts that you would want to save Mordred."

A stern look fell on Merlin's face, "Mordred has never been my favorite person, but I don't want him dead. You have to believe me. I have thought of Mordred dying before. I know it's wrong, but I have and the more I think of it the more I think about Morgana and how close a friend she was. Morgana was a friend. She was Arthur's sister before she even knew they shared blood. There was a bond between them she used to keep him safe and then she turned against him. And yes, I know there were more events that kept pushing her away, but in the end, it was her choice."

"Oh, Merlin! You can't let what happened with Morgana close you off from trusting others."

"I know. Gwen, I know and because of that I also think or Arthur. About his words, his faith that Mordred will not turn against us, and I want that. You don't know how badly I want for Mordred to stay good."

"But you've seen the future and seen Mordred fighting against us."

"Yeah."

Gwen smiled softly grabbing Merlin's hand in comfort, "Do you remember when my father died?"

Merlin looks at the queen and nods squeezing her hand gently.

"You asked me if I had a chance to kill Uther for killing my father if I would go through with it."

"And you said you wouldn't because it would make you as bad as him."

"Why did you ask me that?"

Merlin's brow furrowed trying to remember the events, he knew what happened, but it had been years since he thought about the days, he saved the late king. "Well, your father had just been executed for escaping from the dungeons."

"No, I mean yes he was, but that's not the whole story. You knew Tauren was going to attack Uther. You must have. I mean for you to ask me that question and them for me to learn Morgana and Uther had been attacked by Tauren. You must have known somehow?"

"I did know. I had followed Morgana into the woods and saw her with the sorcerer, she was giving him a stone he used for alchemy. I heard her say she was there to betray the king. Morgana was angry, Uther had sent her to the dungeons the day before for defending your father and when she heard that Tauren wanted to kill the king she offered a plan to help.

I didn't know what to do so I went to The Great Dragon to ask for help. He told me to do nothing and let Uther's reign come to end."

Wait! Where does it say that my destiny includes murder? he remembered yelling in the cave below Camelot.

"I didn't know if that was the right thing to do. I hated him. I knew he would kill me if he knew what I was. I knew he had already killed so many by then. It would have been perfect Uther dead by the hands of a known renegade sorcerer."

It will end when Arthur is king. He remembered Gaius saying.

"I know it's wrong now, but at the time I thought that if he died and Arthur became king everything would be better, however, Arthur was not ready to take on the responsibility to be king then."

Merlin paused picturing the moment he figured out the right thing to do. He was in the palace looking out one of the windows watching Morgana and Uther leave the city.

"Morgana had planned to kill Uther during the pilgrimage to her father's grave." He paused as he heard Gwen gasp, "They had just left when you came to speak to me. And I thought you were so strong. You are so strong, Gwen. I asked you how you would feel if he died. You said you'd feel nothing. That you wouldn't kill him because it wouldn't solve anything and just make you as bad as him. It was your words that helped me see the truth. You helped then to help me figure out what to do. I had to save him. Although it turned out that I didn't have to in the end as Morgana changed her mind and saved Uther, but I was there ready to do what it took to ensure his survival."

Merlin turned to Gwen with a smile on his face. Gwen hugged her friend knowing she had done what she needed to do. Merlin would save Mordred she was sure of it.

"I can't do it. I can't save Mordred!" Merlin yelled in frustration to Gaius. I have tried every single healing spell in my book. I even tried enhancing the healing properties of several potions. Nothing I do is working."

Gaius hummed in thought as he sat down. "I think I may know why."

"If you are going to tell me the reason is that I don't want him to get better, I assure you that's not it."

"No, it's not that. I know you Merlin you may have hardened yourself over the years, but deep down the boy I met that day that saved my life from falling off that balcony is still there. You may need some guidance at times, but you know the right thing."

"Thank you, Gaius."

"No thanks are necessary; I speak but the truth. Now I believe that the issue lies in not the spells but the spell's caster. The Disir are very powerful beings when Arthur insulted the Goddess, he insulted them. I believe the Disir meant to curse Arthur with a spell that only they could lift."

"But Mordred intervened."

"Exactly. So, if I am right in my theory then only the Disir can save Mordred."

"I must tell Arthur; he doesn't have much time if that is the case," Merlin says looking at the druid before rushing out of the room.

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Arthur asks as he and Merlin near The Disir's cave. Arthur carefully laying the druid boy on the ground to remove his weapons. Once his sword and dagger were on the ground and Merlin had finished tying their and Mordred's horse, he kneeled to lift the druid back into his arms.

"He should stay here. The Disir might choose not to help and if she attacks us again, he'll only slow us down."

Arthur nodded although he clearly wasn't happy with leaving an unconscious unarmed man on his own in the middle of the woods.

"Remember to apologize. Bow down to them in respect, you might not like it but- "

"I know what to do Merlin. I do this for Mordred my feelings don't matter."

Merlin nodded, "Let's do this then."

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"Arthur Pendragon."

"King of Camelot."

"We've been expecting you."

Arthur kneels with no hesitation, "I am here to apologize. I was rude and inconsiderate of your beliefs. I was unwilling to accept the goddess and I besmirched her. For that I am sorry."

He paused and when they didn't interrupt him, he knew he had their attention and permission to continue. Slowly rising to his feet.

"While I was here last one of my knights took a curse from you meant for me. He did not deserve that. I was in the wrong not him. I ask if you will lift the curse you placed and save him."

"Why should we help you?"

"The Goddess accepts your apology, but to give you what you wish- "

"You must offer her something in return."

"Anything. Whatever she desires if I can provide it I will. Please you must save him."

"If we are to help you."

"You must embrace the old religion- "

"You must try and understand the old religion"

"You must accept magic kind in your kingdom"

"You must not kill or judge on the basis of whether a person has magic."

"I said before that I am in the process of letting magic return. It will happen I swear it. I just need time. I am not disagreeing with your terms. I will be open to the old ways and be more considerate to your faith and your people I just need time so I can change the laws without causing disputes."

"While noble."

"While sincere."

"It does not please the Goddess to wait."

"I can't just change the law without any support from Camelot's people. My kingdom would be torn apart. "

"Magic must return to the land."

"More time is not something she will accept."

"If you do not accept magic now"

"Camelot will fall."

"Your reign will come to an end"

"You know I can't do that."

"Consider carefully."

"You have until dawn."

"How is that fair?" Arthur asked looking at Mordred.

"It's not."

"I just need time. Why must magic be accepted now?"

"Would it really be so bad to change the law now?"

Arthur turned to Merlin a dark expression on his face. "Do you really think if I just change the law everything will be perfect, Merlin? That over 30 years of hatred and fear against magic people will just accept it."

"Some people are bound to be prejudiced, but surely- "

"No. There is no 'surely' Merlin. There are several who have lost families to magic who don't understand that magic can be used as a force for good and its users aren't evil. Do you not think they would fight back? That they might take the law into their own hands. God forbid if they actually run into a magic user and get an idea that it's their duty to stop them. People will get hurt. Civil war will break out. People will die. Can you picture the number of arrests? And that's if the council doesn't think I've gone mad! They could think I was enchanted. They won't stand for it! They'd hang me. They'd kill Gwen too. Camelot will turn to dust. There would be no leader. Kings from other lands will invade and try to claim her for their own gains."

"You're wrong. The people trust you they will respect your authority."

"I can't take that chance, Merlin. If it was just me if I wasn't king maybe it be different. I don't know. What I do know is I have a responsibility to my people. They trust me. If I bring magic back slowly, they might be open to it but if I just snap my fingers and change everything overnight. If I just rip apart what they have known for so long I know it won't end well."

"You're right," Merlin agrees he can see Arthur's reasoning even though he believes Arthur underestimates himself and the sway he has over Camelot. "What of young Mordred then? If you reject to accept the old religion now, he will die."

Arthur sounded miserable as he spoke, "I know." Then trying to make light of the situation but still sounding bitter, "Looks like you'll get what you wanted."

"Arthur, I do not want Mordred to die."

"I know you don't."

As the men sat in silence thinking, Arthur about failing to protect Mordred and Merlin trying to find another way Merlin remembers the letter he was given in Ealdor. Remembers what the druid Isidro said to him after Merlin and Gwaine had saved him from Morgana's knight. Merlin had just released Gwaine from a hug after defeating the enchanted green knight who had been attacking druid villages that had refused to join Morgana. Together he, Gwaine, and Isidro had managed to come up with a plan to defeat them. Merlin and Isidro removing the enchantment placed on the knight granting him immortality and Gwaine defeating the Green Knight in a sword fight.

***"We did it!" Merlin yelled letting out a laugh.

"Your magic came in handy after all," Gwaine tells him with a wide smile on his face.

Merlin shoved Gwaine who didn't move an inch from where he was pushed, "I never doubted you, but can you imagine. If you can manage to take down the Green Knight and save Isidro's village- "

"And Ealdor," Isidro adds smiling at the pair.

"- and Ealdor imagine what we can do together in Camelot. You can use magic to slow time and steal food from the kitchens. Cook will go mad. 'Where did that roast go?'. Gwaine said trying to imitate Camelot's cook causing Merlin to laugh.

"We'll see, Gwaine. Don't get your hopes up. I doubt the prat will be okay with us playing pranks in the palace."

Gwaine ignored him his adrenaline still pumping to be upset about his future exploits being stopped by the princess.

"I must thank both of you, again. If it weren't for both of you." Isidro started.

"You helped too! You found the spell to break the enchantment." Merlin said giving credit where it was due.

"You also saved my life from being Wilderon fodder too!" Gwaine added, "You are as much a hero to these events as us, mate."

Isidro's smile widened, "Thank you."

Gwaine patted him on the back then turned to Merlin, "I should go tell Hunith and the rest of the villagers that they can return back to their homes from the caves."

Merlin's eyes narrowed in Gwaine's direction the man trying out an innocent expression that most definitely did not suit him but nodded for him to go.

"Emrys?"

"I think after everything you can call me Merlin."

"Merlin, here this has information about the Triple Goddess and your king's fate. It's not much, but hopefully, it's useful." Isidro said handing him a letter from his cloak's pocket.

Merlin took it carefully and nodded "Thank you for this anything to save Arthur is valued."

"I shouldn't have kept it from you. I just- "

"All is forgiven. You needed help."

"You would have helped either way."

"True, but there is nothing wrong with providing me with incentive. You did what you had to, to assure the safety of your clan I would have done the same."

Merlin grabbed Isidro's forearm to say goodbye.

"There is something I must tell you before we part ways."

"What is it?"

"It's about the Triple Goddess. She is fickle. She should not be trusted. She has power and she does have the power to change fate, however, we have free will too. You shouldn't forget that. The Triple Goddess will try everything she can to get her way. If she doesn't. If she is displeased. If she can change fate to be in her favor instead of yours."

"What does that mean?"

"There are several destinies some are conflicting. A person's destiny can go against another's destiny. The Triple Goddess can decide who can get the upper hand. Who will accomplish their destiny and whose destiny will not."***

"Arthur!" Merlin yelled rising to his feet the motor in his mind jump starting. "Reject it."

Arthur looked at Merlin strangely, "Yes, Merlin I know. I must reject their offer."

"No, you don't get it! It's all a trick!"

"What in the world are you on about."

"In Ealdor I got a letter from a druid, I dismissed most of the information since it was pretty much stuff that I already knew, but I shouldn't have. Isidro told me that the Triple Goddess controls fate."

"Yes, you have told me."

"But she doesn't just do that she tips the scales in her favor. Isidro said to make sure to listen to the Goddess. The Disir speak for her. Did they ever say anything about saving Mordred?"

"Of course, they did. If I don't accept magic right now, then they won't save him."

"No. Those are your terms, but they never really said they would save Mordred they said to accept the old religion or Camelot would fall and you would die. It's so obvious! Don't you see?"

"Umm no."

"The Goddess believes in destiny. You believe in free will."

"Yes. What does that have to do with anything?"

"What's Mordred's destiny?"

"Merlin."

"This has a point, trust me. Now tell me what is Mordred's destiny."

Arthur sighed confused, but decided to comply, "To unite with Morgana and k- "

"Kill you. Exactly!" Merlin cuts him off as Arthur was going to slow for Merlin whose mind was flying at a million miles a second.

"Your destiny and Mordred's destiny conflict with one another. You cannot achieve your destiny if Mordred kills you."

Arthur's eyes widen as he finally sees where Merlin is going with this. "So, by denying the Goddess she will tip the scales to Mordred's side meaning if I deny her Mordred will live!"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"Wait!" Arthur yells calming down his servant who was practically ready to jump over the moon.

"What?"

"What you said isn't entirely true?"

"Of course, it is."

"It might be true. We wouldn't know for sure."

"Yes, but you're going to deny their offer, either way, we have nothing to lose."

"Except Mordred."

Merlin smile dies down, "Yeah, but what if we're right!"

Arthur nods, excited, "Let's go tip the scales in Mordred's favor."

~DE~.~DE~.~DE~

"Is your decision made."

"I cannot do as you ask."

"Consider carefully."

"This is your last chance."

"It will not come again."

"I refuse to accept the old religion right now. That is my decision."

"You have made your decision."

"Sealed your fate."

"And that of your kingdom.

"Farewell, Arthur Pendragon," The three speak in unison.

Arthur sighed as he and Merlin made their way to the council chambers.

"It's all your fault," Arthur mutters annoyed with the warlock.

"My fault?" Merlin says unbelievingly.

"Yes."

"You're not blameless in this," Merlin said as he opened the council chambers moving to sit in Arthur's right as Gwen had already taken the chair on his left. Gaius being next to Gwen, Gwaine on Merlin's other side leaving the space in between Gaius and Gwaine for Mordred.

"What are you two fighting about now?" Mordred asks shaking his head in amusement.

"Do you want to take this one," Arthur says glaring at Merlin.

Merlin clears his throat trying to look the picture of innocence and doing his best not to burst out laughing.

"A few years ago, a goblin was released in Camelot. Arthur was suffering from side effects that never went away." He spoke calmly his face impassive giving nothing away that is until Gwaine snorted sending the knight and the servant into peals of laughter.

"Right in the middle of training!" Gwaine says still laughing causing the others in the room, sans the king to crack a smile or a giggle.

"Maybe we should get this meeting started," Gwen said trying to bring order to the meeting and stop her husband from sending them to the dungeon.

After Arthur rejected the Disir they left the cave to find Mordred in the same condition as they left him it wasn't till, they took him to Camelot and a full three days later when the druid awoke in perfect health.

Arthur decided it was about time to talk to Merlin and get his permission to make a council with those who knew about his powers to come together and discuss the best way to go changing the law. With Gaius, Merlin, and Mordred considering the magic side of discussions and him, Gwen, and Gwaine the other. They hoped to be able to come up with a decent plan to introduce to the council which would allow the slow introduction of magic into the kingdom and a justifiable reason as for why without revealing Merlin's secret. The last thing they needed was for someone to decided Merlin had enchanted the King and Queen to allow magic back.

A/N

Sooooooooo! What ya think. I really really liked this one ALOT hopefully you guys feel the same.

And yes the part with the *** does mean that I will do a short story of Merlin and Gwaine's Adventures in Ealdor! and yes I will combine (somehow) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Merlin BBC I can't wait lol. Might be complicated since Gawaine and Gwaine are kinda opposites with Gawaine being 'virtuous' and Gwaine being a womanizing alcoholic but I'm still excited either way. I won't post the story till I'm done with this one so it will take a while but I'll make sure to tag it to DE and maybe post the link to the first chapter at the end of the story we shall see.

My plan God willing will be to post once a month. I as you guys know usually take way too long to post in between chapters so this will be me trying to fix that for you guys. Lets see how I do.

Anyways there is so much going on in this chapter that you guys can comment on Or if you have questions let me know and I will try and answer.

I want to thank all of you who have favorited, reviewed, and are following this story. Specially the new comers that came in since I updated the last chapter.

Thank you so much to

All of the 'Guests', mersan123, OechsnerC, Taz, PadrePedro, WickedInk, NightFuryLover2001, stevensalzman82, Livxoxo, , Akath7, Ifair3, K-Rock 1315, ChristinaCay, pleshkoanatoliy, mysticfalls2357, MirrorWriter, and Aithusa Girl!

I hope you all liked the story.

Till Next Time... hopefully sometime next month

~Agent C.