"The King is dead. Long live the Queen!"
Sir Leon's voice resonated across the hall.
The war was won, kingdoms had been united and peace had been brought to Camelot.
And yet, no one was smiling as this was achieved at so much cost.
It was clear from everyone's solemn expression that Arthur had been the pillar, the hope, the pride of Camelot. But he was no more.
...
Gwen and Gaius entered Gaius' chambers.
"Is he going to be alright?"
Gwen looked at Gwaine's lifeless and pale body. The only sign of life was his faint breathing.
"Unfortunately there is not much I will be able to do, as there is no significant physical injury. The problem seems to be with his mind. Morgana must have tortured his mind to the point that it caused damage to the soul. I have no medicine to cure the soul."
Gaius replied dejectedly.
"...and Merlin?"
Gwen glanced over at Merlin's room.
"Has he come out of his room since he returned to Camelot?"
"...No."
Answered Gaius with a sad expression.
Gwen quietly walked over to Merlin's room and knocked the door.
"Merlin...I'm coming in..."
Gwen went inside without waiting for an answer.
Merlin lay on the bed, looking as lifeless and pale as Gwaine.
His eyes staring into space and tears uncontrollably flowing down his cheeks, Merlin looked as if he had lost his whole world.
Gwen sat beside Merlin and gently caressed his arms, hoping to provide some comfort.
"You did everything you could, Merlin. There is nothing more that could have been done."
Silent tears started to flow down her face as well.
The tears that she had been holding inside as she assumed all responsibility for the Kingdom.
But she was not the Queen in this room. She was just with her best friend, mourning the loss of the most important person to them.
The sun had begun to set, but both Merlin and Gwen did not move.
Finally Gaius entered the room.
"I am sorry to interrupt but there is something that I must discuss with you."
Gwen wiped her tears quickly and looked at Gaius with a composed expression.
"What is it?"
"In order to cure Gwaine, we would need to use magic to heal his soul."
Upon hearing this, Gwen looked at Merlin.
"...Merlin, would you be able to heal Gwaine?"
Merlin looked at her for the first time with a startled expression.
"...Gaius told me...about your magic. You have always been protecting Arthur and this country. Camelot owes you a great debt. Thank you."
For a very brief moment, there was warmth in Merlin's eyes. But his expressions immediately went back to a mournful one.
Without a word, Merlin slowly stood up and walked towards Gwaine.
He tried a few spells but Gwaine lay still. Merlin looked back at Gwen and Gaius and shook his head, his eyes now watering again.
"Gaius...I can't lose Gwaine too."
With a pained expression Gaius spoke to Merlin.
"Healing a broken soul can only be achieved by the most ancient magic. Merlin, you must go back to the Lake of Avalon and get help from the Sidhe."
Merlin was shaking at this point.
"Are you telling me to go back there? where Arthur died?"
"It is the only way that I can think of."
Merlin closed his eyes with a pained expression.
"I will go..."
Merlin squeezed out his voice as he wiped his tears. He started preparing for departure.
"Merlin, how many knights shall I gather to accompany you?"
Gwen asked.
"None."
Merlin answered mechanically.
"The knights just came back from war. They should get some rest."
"Merlin...I cannot bear it if I lose you too..."
"You won't... I promise..."
Gwen looked at Merlin concerned but did not argue further.
...
Once Merlin reached the Lake of Avalon, he lay Gwaine down beside the water.
He felt a sharp pain in his chest as he stared at the horizon of the lake where the boat with Arthur in it drifted away. He squinted his eyes for a while, hoping..., praying..., that the boat would appear again and return Arthur alive and well. Regret and despair flooded every inch of Merlin's body and he could feel his vision blurring. He violently rubbed his eyes reminding himself that he would lose another friend if he stayed still like this.
Merlin took a deep breath and shouted.
"I call to the Sidhe! Please! Please! I ask for your help!"
The lake glowed and a small blue winged creature appeared.
The creature scanned Merlin with contempt and disgust.
"Since you are disturbing us, I presume you have arranged a valuable offering?"
Merlin looked at the Sidhe desperately.
"I want to save my friend here. It seems that he has taken extensive damage to his mind. I am willing to give whatever you want in return."
The creature stared at Gwaine for a moment.
"...very well. The deal is made."
The creature extended its arm towards Gwaine and casted a spell. Blue mist surrounded the knight and it was clear that it was working as his expressions immediately softened.
As soon as the mist cleared, Gwaine's eyes opened and he sat down.
"Where am I?"
Gwaine asked.
"You are at the Lake of Avalon. You are going to be alright Gwaine."
Merlin replied with his eyes tearing up.
"Where is Arthur?"
Merlin did not answer, but Gwaine seemed to have understood as he became quiet.
"Now with the payment."
The Sidhe interrupted the silence. As soon as Merlin looked up, the Sidhe cast a spell towards Merlin. Merlin screamed in pain. Gwaine tried to attack the creature but failed.
"What did you do!"
Gwaine shouted.
"I have treated a sickness in exchange for another sickness. He has been struck with a plague that will spread to the rest of this land, destroying all humans that inhabit Albion. The more he moves, the more it will spread around and the beauty is that he will have to watch all of them die as he is immortal."
The Sidhe answered with a grin.
"Why would you do this?"
Merlin shouted.
"Shut up boy! You killed our Sidhe Elder. This is simply punishment for your crime."
The creature said bitterly and disappeared into the lake.
Merlin fell on his knees.
"Merlin!"
The horrified Gwaine shouted.
"Get away from me Gwaine! Get as far away from me as you can!"
Merlin shouted. He could feel the plague slowly poisoning his magic.
Gwaine stood still not knowing what to do.
"Gwaine, go back to Camelot! Tell everyone that I am dead."
"You know I can't do that."
Gwaine looked at Merlin sadly.
Merlin stared at Gwaine with pain.
"Actually Gwaine, there is something I want you to do."
"What is it?"
Gwaine asked eagerly.
"Do you remember when we followed Arthur to Fisher King's realm?"
"The one where he was searching for a stupid trident?"
"Yes. You have to go back there. You will find a bracelet with a yellow stone in the throne room. You have to retrieve it and bring it to me."
"Why?"
"It is the only way I can think of to save the people. I would get it myself if I could move around."
"Will it save you?"
"Yes."
Merlin lied.
"Alright then, I will leave right away."
Gwaine turned around and started walking. Merlin looked at Gwaine's back with a pained expression. He knew Gwaine would not forgive him for killing himself with the bracelet bearing the eye of the Phoenix but Merlin had no choice. This was the only way that he could think of to undo his immortality and perish the plague.
...
Suddenly the water glowed again and Gwaine stopped to look at what was happening.
This time, a golden light beamed out of the water piercing the sky. The glow spread in all directions, engulfing Merlin and Gwaine.
Merlin squinted to see beyond the fierce glow. He could see a shadow approaching his way.
"Merlin?"
The nostalgic voice caused Merlin to freeze. It felt as if a stone was stuck in his throat. Tears began to flow down Merlin's cheek.
"Arthur."
Merlin finally squeezed out his voice.
There he was. Standing there as if the events from the past few days never unfolded.
Arthur walked towards Merlin with a beaming smile.
"Arthur."
Gwaine ran and tightly hugged Arthur.
"You are alive!"
"It is all thanks to Merlin. Looks like you found a way to save me afterall."
Arthur looked at Merlin proudly as he wrapped away from Gwaine. He then continued to walk towards Merlin to hug him.
"No!"
Merlin screamed.
Arthur froze with a stiffened expression.
"What is it?"
"You can't come near me."
"Why?"
"I have a curse. I am now the source of a plague that will infect and eventually kill anyone who comes near me. You have to return to Camelot without me."
"You know I will not do that."
Arthur replied immediately.
"You saved my life so many times. I won't abandon you."
"The people of Camelot are waiting for you."
"I will not return without my friend. I won't leave you while you take care of the problems alone. Not this time."
Arthur said firmly with a serious voice.
"This time..., I want to fight alongside you, truly."
Merlin knew how stubborn Arthur could get.
"Arthur, please."
"I am sure there is a way. We can ask Gaius."
"I can't put Gaius in danger."
"Merlin..."
Merlin looked away from Arthur dejected. Arthur showed no signs of leaving. Instead he looked around.
"Where is my sword?"
Arthur asked.
Merlin walked towards the lake and kneeled beside the water. Freya's reflection appeared from the depth of the lake.
"Merlin."
She whispered softly with a smile. Merlin smiled back and stared at Freya with deep affection.
"Merlin. I know what the Sidhe did to you. You must find and take a bite out of the golden apple. It is the rarest of fruits that takes every 800 years to ripen and can cure all curses."
"I have never heard of such a fruit."
"No man has ever seen it because it is so rare. But this tree drinks the water from the lake of Avalon and bears a golden fruit that contains the essence of magic, so strong that it cleanses any curses and dark magic. Eating the fruit will purify your magic and as a result purify you, curing the plague."
"Where can I find this fruit?"
"Search the shore of the lake with your heart. Your magic should lead you there. Also, you will need this."
The sword forged with dragon breath emerged out of the water. Merlin stepped away and urged Arthur to take the sword. Arthur who was observing the conversation curiously, hesitantly took the sword from the water.
"Thank you."
Arthur said to Freya. Freya smiled and faded away.
"Alright. I guess we are searching for the fruit then."
Arthur said.
"I will be searching for the fruit. You two are heading back to Camelot."
"I don't think that is an option anymore, Merlin."
Gwaine said as he stared at his hands. There were wrinkles. He looked like he had aged 10 years. Strands of white hair could be seen among Gwaine's dark hair.
Merlin abruptly turned to Arthur. To his horror, Arthur seemed to be aging as well.
"No!"
Merlin covered his face with his hands. This is too much. He had already lost Arthur once. He could not lose him again.
"Merlin, you are such a pessimist as always. Don't worry. We will find the fruit. Now lead the way."
Arthur encouraged Merlin. Merlin started walking by the shore desperately, looking around for any sign of the fruit.
...
"Merlin should have been back by now."
Gwen said to Gaius.
"Do you think something might have happened?"
"I don't know your majesty. I can only hope that both are safe and well."
Gwen paced back and forth in Gaius' chamber.
"Do you think I should send a search party?"
"I am afraid where magic is involved, there is little that they will be able to do."
Gwen bit her lips.
"Gaius..., I now know how Merlin has been protecting us all. But I don't know what I should do. I do not believe that magic is evil. It can certainly be used for good as Merlin has proved. But if I allow magic then just what did Arthur fight for? If I allow magic in Camelot, would it not go against everything that Arthur believed in and make Morgana victorious?"
Gaius did not say anything. Gwen continued.
"Also, the knights would not approve as they follow Arthur's ideals and have just lost their king to sorcery. I will lose the trust and following of the knights should I allow magic in Camelot, no matter how much I want it. I can turn a blind eye to Merlin, but I am afraid magic cannot be openly practiced in Camelot."
Gaius sighed.
"...I understand... What this country needs now is to recover from the loss it has suffered. Perhaps, time will heal the wounds and peace will bring acceptance in people's hearts."
"...And I promise you. I will do my best to keep peace at Camelot."
Gwen looked at Gaius with determination and resolve.
...
A day had passed but there was no sign of the fruit. Merlin restlessly moved around trying to find any clues, any sign of the fruit. He was more scared of losing Arthur.
Arthur seemed to have noticed Merlin's panic.
"Merlin. Calm down."
"Calm down? Are you telling me to calm down?"
"Yes! You are supposed to be the greatest sorcerer that has ever walked on earth. Would you, PLEASE, act like it."
Arthur replied sarcastically.
"Wait what?"
Gwaine asked.
"Merlin is a sorcerer?"
Merlin and Arthur turned to Gwaine with disbelief.
"You only caught on now? Seriously Gwaine, how thick can you be?"
Arthur said.
"Well to be fair, it took you longer to catch on."
Merlin murmured.
"I heard that!"
Arthur turned to Merlin. The news of Merlin being a sorcerer did not seem to faze Gwaine much. He seemed more amused than anything.
"So Merlin. Tell me. When Arthur used to annoy you, what magic did you use to get back at him?"
"I never did that."
Merlin glanced at Arthur.
"I only used it to protect Arthur. I swear!"
"Come on. Don't tell me you never cast a spell to turn him into an idiot."
"Well Arthur's already an idiot so it wasn't necessary."
Merlin glanced at Arthur again, grinning this time. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Merlin, if you don't behave, I won't permit magic in Camelot."
"...What?"
Merlin looked at Arthur in astonishment.
"You will..."
"Well...I do not want anyone to turn like Morgana. I now know that hate only gives birth to hate. Also..., I owe this to you..., and I see now that not all sorcerers are evil, some can be a complete idiot."
Arthur ended with a mocking tone.
Merlin felt his throat tightening and tears welling up. It was finally happening. The future that he hoped for, his dream, his purpose, it was all being fulfilled. Arthur smiled at Merlin acknowledging his sentiments. He then wrapped his arm around Merlin and hugged him.
"Come on. First we need to cure this illness."
"Right."
Merlin felt warm all over. As he was calmer, he could now feel the breath of the earth and the pulse of all living things. Merlin felt like he was one with the earth. He closed his eyes and concentrated, feeling every thread of magic present in the world around him. He could hear the flow of water and feel the magic resonating as it got absorbed into earth, the plants, and the animals. Merlin felt a strong pull of magic from the East.
"This way."
Merlin started walking. Usually, Arthur would have questioned Merlin's sense of direction but he knew better now. Both the knights quietly followed Merlin.
...
"This is it."
Merlin stood in front of a tree.
"Are you sure? It looks like any other tree to me."
Gwaine said.
"From the outside it does look like an ordinary tree but I can feel it. Magic is pulsating inside this tree. I have never seen anything like it."
Merlin answered confidently.
Arthur examined the tree trying to find a distinguishing feature but there was none. The tree splendidly blended with the forest and looked like any other tree. A common man would have passed it by without giving it a second glance.
"I guess if Merlin says so, it must be special."
Arthur concluded.
Merlin looked at Arthur.
"You know...You have been so cooperative that it's scaring me. Are you sure you are Arthur?"
Merlin joked. But he did not get a retort that he was expecting. Instead Arthur's eyes widened as he stared at Merlin blankly.
"Dragoon the Great?"
Arthur blurted.
Merlin looked at his hands. They were wrinkled and he could see his hair had turned completely white.
"Ah. I can explain."
Merlin looked back at Arthur apologetically. Arthur stared at Merlin in disbelief.
"Merlin..., is there anything else that you would like to tell me?"
Arthur demanded calmly.
"...Well..., do you remember Dolma?"
"The sorceress who likes clothes?"
"Hm...well..."
"...That was you as well..."
Merlin nodded. Arthur flapped his arm and let out a big sigh.
"Great. Just great."
"And I'm a Dragon Lord."
"WHAT THE HELL MERLIN!"
Arthur shouted in frustration and threw his shoes towards Merlin.
"Sorry."
Merlin replied lightly while dodging.
"I should execute you ten times over!"
"But since magic will be allowed in Camelot, you will let it go?"
Merlin asked brightly. Arthur let out a grumpy noise.
"Gentlemen, shall we focus on the golden apple for now? I do miss my sumptuous hair."
Gwaine interrupted.
"Right."
Merlin approached the magical tree and placed his hand on the bark, asking for help.
The tree seemed to come alive. One of its branches came down beside Merlin and a golden apple appeared. Merlin took it and thanked the tree.
"This is it."
Merlin, Arthur, and Gwaine looked at the apple.
"Here Arthur. Eat it."
Merlin stretched his hands towards Arthur. Arthur stared at the apple and shook his head.
"No Merlin. You have to eat it first. You are the source of the plague. We need to cure you first."
"I will eat it right after. Just eat it."
"No."
Arthur stood firm. Merlin sighed.
"Arthur is right. The plague won't stop until you are cured. Make sure you leave some for us though."
Gwaine winked.
Merlin hesitantly took a bite of the apple. He felt an immediate burst of pure energy flowing through his body, providing relief.
Arthur and Gwaine stared at Merlin, waiting for him to say something.
"It's working."
Merlin grinned.
"Really? You still look like an old man."
"It will take some time for the magic to heal me completely. Here, you two should eat the apple too."
Merlin raised his arms and to his shock, saw the apple had turned red. He could feel that there was no more magic in the apple.
"No..., this cannot be happening."
"It's alright Merlin..."
"NO!"
Merlin covered his face with his hands and dropped on his knees.
"I can't see you die. Not for a second time."
Arthur and Gwaine both kneeled beside Merlin and placed their hand on his shoulder for comfort.
"There is nothing that can be done. The fruit only grows every 800 years."
Arthur said calmly.
"No, No I cannot accept this."
Merlin shook uncontrollably. The next moment, leaves started fluttering around him and wind started blowing.
"Merlin, are you doing this? You need to calm down."
Arthur raised his voice.
Suddenly, Arthur's sword started glowing resonating violently with Merlin's outbursting magic.
"What's happening?"
Gwaine asked alarmingly.
"I have no idea."
Arthur mumbled as he unsheathed the sword. The sword vibrated and glowed stronger.
The next moment, the blade of the sword broke into pieces and Merlin vanished.
Arthur and Gwaine looked around but there was no sign of Merlin. Only Merlin's clothes lay where he had been seconds ago.
"MERLIN!"
Arthur yelled. He looked around but Merlin was nowhere to be found. Both Gwaine and Arthur searched around but the forest was empty.
"How can this be? He was here just moments ago."
"Keep searching!"
Arthur commanded.
...
After a while of futile efforts, both Arthur and Gwaine lay flat on the ground due to fatigue caused by the plague. They both were old and weak with white hair.
"I guess this is it."
Gwaine opened his mouth first.
"Yeah...It was an honor knowing you Gwaine."
"That's Sir Gwaine to you."
Both Arthur and Gwaine chuckled. At that moment, a violent wind emerged and a bright white light struck, revealing Merlin.
"Merlin!"
Arthur mouthed weakly.
"What happened. Where did you disappear to?"
Merlin quickly sat next to the two and gave them a golden apple each.
"How did you get this?"
"Just eat it first. I will explain later."
Arthur and Gwaine took a bite out of their apple.
"You should be back to your normal self in about a day."
Merlin said cheerfully.
"We will make camp here tonight and head back to Camelot tomorrow afternoon."
...
"So are you going to tell us what happened?"
Arthur asked Merlin. All three men were now back to their young self and were heading back to Camelot
"I travelled through time."
"You did what?"
Arthur looked at Merlin in disbelief.
"I went 800 years and 1600 years into the future to get the golden apple."
"Well that explains the odd clothing you are wearing."
Gwaine said while scanning Merlin's long coat.
"I had better control while coming back but it looks like when I was heading to the future for the first time, I was only able to manage to transport myself and nothing more."
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I guess you can now be a champion in the game of dice, being able to see the future. You will be spending even more time at the tavern from now on..."
"I literally did not even know where the local tavern was until Gwaine got into trouble once."
"Right...You were going behind my back using magic."
"I was saving your royal backside."
Arthur smiled and looked at the path ahead.
"Besides, I won't be able to go to the future like that anymore. I used the dragon's magic in the sword to amplify my magic. The magic is gone and now it is no more than a normal broken sword."
Merlin glanced towards the cloth that contained the broken shards of the sword.
"So what was the future like?"
Gwaine asked with amusement.
"Is there a legend of me? Sir Gwaine of Camelot, the greatest hero ever lived."
Merlin chuckled.
"I was more concerned about the immediate task of getting the golden apple that I did not really explore. But the future world is beyond any of our imagination. I saw a blue monster with wheels..."
Merlin looked far away into the horizon.
"I am sure that monster is no match for a Camelot Knight."
Arthur stated flatly.
"Oh but I did take some interesting books from a house that I got these clothes from."
Merlin took out a book from a bag he was carrying and opened it.
"It seems to be a record of the laws of the future world. We may learn something from it."
Merlin started to turn the pages.
"Hm.. let's see. Oh here it states that humans have the right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of punishment. Sounds like a just and equal law. Oh and here.."
"Shut up Merlin."
"Yes, Sire."
As Gwaine laughed alongside Merlin the castle of Camelot appeared on the horizon.
...
"Have you seen Merlin?"
Arthur whispered to Gwen as they stood in the main hall facing the crowd and royal council.
"No, I thought he was with you."
"That idiot. He is late for his own ceremony. Maybe he is better off as my servant."
"I know you are secretly proud of him."
Gwen smiled at Arthur.
"He was so noisy when he was a servant. Imagine what he will be like as a Court Sorcerer."
Gwen chuckled.
"You did the right thing Arthur by allowing magic in Camelot. I am so proud of you."
Gwen and Arthur looked at each other with a soft and warm gaze of affection.
"I am so glad that I have both of you by my side again. Please don't ever scare me like that again."
"I won't. I promise."
Arthur looked into Gwen's eyes as he bowed his head slightly to match Gwen's height and answered with a sincere tone.
Just then the door opened and there stood Merlin, fidgeting and awkwardly looking around. He was wearing a red robe with a blue undershirt. The robe bore the mark of Camelot and was covered with gold embroidery displaying elegance and eminence.
"I designed it. How does it look?"
Gwen whispered to Arthur proudly.
"Very suitable. You really outdid yourself, Guinevere. Merlin really needs to stop shaking like that though."
"He will get used to his new position soon enough."
"He better."
Merlin slowly walked towards the King and the Queen. As he walked through the crowd, he could see the knights smiling at him. As Merlin took further steps towards the throne, he saw Gaius who had never looked so proud and happy. At that moment, all the nervousness went away. Merlin stood tall and felt so proud of himself. His mother was beside Gaius nodding and tears of joy trickling down her cheeks as she looked at Merlin with pride. Merlin smiled at her and continued to step forward. He reached the throne and kneeled before King Arthur.
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you, Merlin, Court Sorcerer of Camelot."
The King declared confidently.
The crowd clapped their hands to congratulate the sorcerer. Merlin stood up and incanted a spell. Red petals fell from the ceiling gently marking the beginning of prosperity and unity of the Kingdom. As everyone in the hall was mesmerized and awed by the beauty of magic, Arthur leaned towards Merlin and whispered.
"So, have you found a place where you fit in?"
"Not sure if I fit in, but there is nowhere I would rather be."
Merlin and Arthur smiled. Outside the window, Merlin could see warm glowing orbs of light ascend to the sky from various distant locations, as tribute from sorcerers around Camelot.