The Coming of Arthur Part Two
'In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin,' Kilgarrah says as Merlin's eyes flash gold.
'Is this really the time to tell us how great Merlin is,' Arthur said angrily.
'Arthur,' Gwen said gently.
Leon is escorted from his cell by members of the Immortal Army. The immortal guards drag Leon into the throne room where Morgana is seated on the throne. Leon is pushed to his knees by the guards.
'Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign?' Morgana asks but Leon says nothing just glares at the queen. 'Speak up. Are you and your fellow knights ready to honour and serve me?' Morgana asks raising her eyebrow slightly as Gwen gulps.
'If she thinks that the knights will ever chose to follow her she really has forgotten what the knights stand for,' Arthur said quietly.
'I would rather die,' Leon said.
'That can be arranged,' Morgause says standing to her sister's right hand.
'And they wonder why Camelot does not show Morgana any loyalty,' Merlin says.
'My loyalty is to the King and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that,' Leon says shaking his head.
'Morgana no longer understand loyalty,' Merlin said darkly. 'She lost that a long time ago.'
'We shall see,' Morgana says.
Leon winced, 'I had no idea that they were going to take it out on the people.'
Morgana nods to the Immortal guards. The two guards approach Leon each taking one of his arms. Leon doesn't resist knowing that to do so would be futile. The guards drag Leon away as Morgana watches.
Merlin runs through the woods with a sword in his hands and members Morgana's army hot on his tail. Merlin glances back at his pursuers. Merlin jumps down into a hollow with a cave in it and glances around.
Gwaine appears sword also in hand. Merlin approaches him and walks past Gwaine into the cave. In the cave Gaius and Elyan are present. Gaius stands up when he sees his ward and hands Merlin the water skin who tips it back and goes to drink it but it is empty.
Elyan reaches out a hand, 'I'll get some more.'
'It's too dangerous,' Gwen said. 'They'll catch you.'
'It's too dangerous,' Merlin disagreed.
'What happened?' Gaius asks.
'Nothing,' Merlin walks further into the cave and whispers to Gaius, 'We need to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere.'
'What can you against Immortal soldiers?' asked Percival.
'A sword forged in the dragon's breath,' Merlin said quietly.
'Where is it now?' asked Gwaine.
'Safe,' Merlin said simply, 'and hidden.'
'And if it is found?' asked Gwaine.
Merlin smirked, 'I am the only one who is able to remove it. I made sure of that!'
The two of them look at Arthur who is slouched in the corner with his hand on his head. Merlin and Gaius then share a worried look with each other on what to do with the prince.
In the courtyard of Camelot there are guards below as well as on the balcony above. There are only two on the balcony above who are protecting the High priestesses. Morgana and Morgause stand between their guards.
'I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me,' Morgana says.
'No Knight of Camelot would pledge themselves to Morgana,' Arthur declares.
The Immortal Army pull up their crossbows and aim them at the row of knights dressed in their chain mail and red capes standing in the centre of the courtyard. The people gather around both groups of soldiers. Leon looks up at Morgana and smirks as Morgana stares down at the First Knight.
'Long live the King!' Leon shouts.
'Long live the King!' the fellow Knights echo.
'Perhaps this will help you change your mind,' Morgana says.
Morgana slashes down her hand directing her army to take the shot. The immortal men turn their crossbows from the knights and into the crowd of onlookers. Leon looks horrified as he realises what Morgana has planned. The people scream and run trying to avoid the arrows whilst Leon watches horrified and powerless to help.
'You have to say she's intelligent,' Merlin said darkly. 'Evil, devious, cruel, ruthless and a complete sadist but intelligent. She knew you would die a thousand times and still refuse to bow to her but you would never let the people suffer.'
'She knows us too well,' sighed Arthur.
'No!' Leon screams.
Uther watches from his cell in the dungeon as Morgana's army move the fallen bodies of the peasants who fell in Morgana's presentation. Uther has tears in his eyes and turns around as he hears his cell door open. Morgana smirks as she enters her father's cell as the cell door is locked behind her.
'Father,' Morgana greets.
'Why are you doing this?' Uther asks.
'Oh, come, come. Surely you of all people must understand. Sometimes such measures are necessary,' Morgana says.
'Morgana is too like Uther,' Merlin mutters.
'Father is nothing like Morgana,' Arthur shouts.
'They both have a thing for revenge on innocent people with nothing to do with their hurt,' Merlin snapped. 'Your father has killed as many innocents as Morgana has. He started a war with Cenred to get hold of my father. Don't kid yourself, Arthur. You have made mistakes and hurt innocent people but your heart is in the right place and you are at least trying to make the kingdom a better place but your father is the reason why there has been so many of my people who turned to the Dark out of fear and desperation.'
Arthur opened and closed his mouth before sighing and nodding, 'I know but he is still my father.'
'Those people are innocent,' Uther says pulling on his chains.
'As were so many that you put to death,' Morgana says and smirks.
'And how are you any better than he is?' asked Gwen quietly.
'She's not,' Merlin said.
'If you must kill someone, kill me,' Uther says.
'She wants to toy with him first,' Merlin said quietly.
'She's probably kill him after Arthur was killed,' Gaius said quietly.
Morgana gives a soft laugh, 'you'll get your wish. But not yet,' Morgana approaches Uther but is careful to keep her distance.
'She's still scared of him,' Merlin murmured.
'What do you mean?' asked Arthur.
'Look at the way she will only face him when he is in chains and she will not get within reaching distance of him,' Merlin said. 'Morgana is still frightened of Uther.'
'And probably always will be,' Gaius said gravely.
'First I want you to suffer as I suffered. To know what it's like to be alone and afraid. To be disgusted with who and what you are,' Morgana says smirking as she looks Uther up and down before she turned to leave the cell.
Merlin sighs, 'I should have been there for her. Maybe then…'
'We don't know what would have happened,' Arthur said. 'Morgana chose her path. She may have been pushed onto it by others but she is taking it on people who had absolutely nothing to do with it!'
'Do you really hate me so much?' asked Uther.
Morgana rattles the cell door as she turns to look back at the king, 'you cannot begin to know how much I hate you.'
Uther nods swallowing with tears in his eyes at this statement from his daughter. Morgana then turns and walks out of the cell. One of Morgana's men closes and locks the cell door before the newly crowned queen.
Arthur is still sat in the same place as previously. Arthur is leaning against the stone wall of the cave with a hand on his head. Merlin walks up to Arthur slowly and kneels down holding out a bowl of food for Arthur.
Merlin smiles, 'it's rat,' Merlin said as Arthur moves his hands over his eyes. 'Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse. I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem,' Merlin said.
'Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please,' Arthur said.
'I think that you have wallowed enough, Arthur,' Gwen said quietly. 'You have been betrayed but you are needed and you still have your friends.'
'I know that,' Arthur smiled. 'Trust me when I say that Merlin was trying to pull me out of my despair.'
'I'm sure he was,' laughed Gwen.
Merlin grabs the plate and stands up looking back at Arthur, 'I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I don't know why. I'm sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that. He's still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you.'
'I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?' Arthur asks.
'I can't answer that, but you have a duty to your father, to your people. You can't give up on them now,' Merlin said.
'You cannot defeat an immortal army,' Arthur said.
'Well we did,' Merlin said.
'Only thanks to you,' Gaius smiled proudly.
'And you,' Merlin said.
'We don't know until we try,' Merlin said.
'You are certainly optimistic,' Gaius said.
'Someone has to be,' Merlin grinned.
Merlin sighs and turns away from Arthur believing he has once more failed to get through to his king. However, Arthur picks up his food and hesitantly begins to eat the rat.
'Apparently something you said got through to him,' Hunith smiled proudly.
In Morgana's chambers Gwen makes Morgana's bed. Morgana walks in and Gwen turns around to face her. Morgana looks out of her window as the bells chime.
'I'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being queen is not so simple, Gwen,' Morgana said.
Gwen looks around and turns, 'you're doing well, your Majesty,' Gwen plasters a fake smile on her face as she lies.
'If by well you mean slaughtering your subjects,' Merlin said.
'You think? The knights do not share your view,' Morgana said.
'Well of course they don't,' Arthur said angrily.
'They don't know you,' Gwen said walking to where Morgana stood.
Morgana turned her head away from the window in Gwen's direction, 'I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me.'
'Even with their allegiance the people would never yield to her,' Gwen said smiling. 'It is Arthur whom they love.'
'My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense?' suggested Gwen.
'You would do that for me?' Morgana asks.
'Uther killed my father,' Gwen said.
'Yes, I...forgot you too had suffered,' Morgana said nodding.
'I will never like or forgive Uther – sorry Arthur – but doing this,' Gwen sighed. 'Who does this help? Not the people of Camelot! Certainly not Morgana!'
'And not our people either,' Merlin said quietly. 'What Morgana did and what she is just makes people believe that magic is evil and corrupts even the purest of hearts. People remember what Morgana was like. What do you think people attribute her change to?'
'Magic,' Arthur said grimly knowing that until a few months ago Arthur had believed the same.
Merlin nodded, 'people think that magic changed and corrupted her which will make you changing the laws even harder.'
'I know,' Arthur said, 'but we've got to try.'
'I know,' Merlin smiled sadly.
'Let me meet with Sir Leon,' Gwen suggested.
'That was when the two of you found your way to us,' smiled Merlin. 'How did you know where we were anyway?' asked Merlin frowning. 'I let Lancelot know where to find us.'
'I trained Arthur,' Leon shrugged. 'I know where he'd hide. How did you get the message to Lancelot?'
'We'd kept in contact,' Merlin shrugged. 'I knew where the last letter had come from.'
'I will arrange it,' Morgana said nodding.
'Thank you, your Majesty,' Gwen says curtseying and leaving the room as Morgana smiles.
Back in the cave Merlin and Gaius are both sitting on rocks opposite one another. There is a fire to the side with a pot hanging over it. Gwaine and Elyan are speaking in the background as Arthur approaches.
'We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger,' Merlin said.
'How can she get stronger?' asked Arthur.
'They have made no alliances with neighbouring kingdoms,' Gaius said grimly.
'Still we took Camelot back to for quickly for allies to be called even if she had made alliances,' Arthur said.
'You forget, Arthur, that they have magic,' Merlin said, 'sending messages in a heartbeat is very easy for them.'
'Still it would take time for any allies to arrive,' Arthur said.
'That is true,' conceded Merlin.
'Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?' Gaius asked.
'First thing I did,' Merlin said. 'From the first outlying village I could find.'
'I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on,' Merlin replied shaking his head.
'Give it time,' Gaius suggested.
'We don't have time. We need to act now,' Merlin said.
'Patience really is not your strong point, Merlin,' Arthur said amused.
'And it is yours?' demanded Merlin.
'I know, Merlin, but how?' asked Gaius.
'There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?' asked Merlin.
'That's a good point,' Arthur said. 'Why didn't I think of that?'
'Because you were too busy moping,' Merlin replied simply.
'I was not moping,' bit out Arthur but Merlin just shrugged.
'The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held,' Gaius said.
'So that's where you two were off to,' Arthur said. 'You never were going to stop the warning bells were you?'
'Nope,' Merlin grinned. 'Had far more important things to do.'
'Then that's what I have to do,' Merlin said.
'They're immortal, Merlin. You don't know the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army,' Gaius said.
Outside Leon's cell Gwen walks to the cell doors. Leon is sitting on the hay when he sees Gwen. The guards open the door and allow Gwen entrance. Gwen walks in and Leon stands up and goes to Gwen.
'Guinevere,' Leon says.
'It's all I could get,' Gwen whispers.
'I don't understand. What are you doing here?' asked Leon as he began eating the food Gwen had brought.
'Planning to run away with you,' laughed Gwaine.
'Shut up Gwaine,' Arthur growled but Gwaine just grinned.
'Morgana sent me...to talk to you, to make you see sense. Listen to me,' Gwen said.
Leon looked up and spat the food out, 'I'd rather starve. Guard!' Leon shouted.
'Do you really think that Gwen would ever join Morgana?' demanded Merlin.
'I didn't think Morgana would go evil,' Leon said. 'I didn't know who I could trust. Gwen had been serving and been friends with Morgana for years. I was unaware that Arthur and Gwen were courting at the present time.'
'I'm going to help you escape,' Gwen whispers. Gwen then calls to guard, 'it's alright. Get me some water. The queen has instructed me to get the prisoner food and water.'
'You know what will happen to you if you're caught,' Leon said.
'I'd rather die than serve Morgana,' Gwen said.
'We have to find Arthur,' Gwen said.
'I've a good idea where he'll be hiding,' Leon said.
'I knew that if anyone knew where Arthur was it would be you,' Gwen said. 'I remember when you complained about the brattish prince you were put in charge of,' Gwen laughed.
'Oi!' Arthur said.
'I am sorry, sire, but you have to admit you were very spoilt back then,' Leon smiled apologetically. 'Until Merlin came along and changed you for the better.'
'Bet you never expected to fall in love with the brattish prince, Gwen,' laughed Merlin.
'No, never,' agreed Gwen.
'Then I need to get you out of here,' Gwen said.
'How? It's impossible, surely?' Leon asked.
'I'm a trusted member of the court. Morgause has the keys to the cells in her chambers,' Gwen tells Leon.
'No, Gwen,' Leon said.
From above the cell Morgana and Morgause watched.
Gwen groaned, 'they heard the whole thing.'
'And had a tracking spell on you,' added Merlin.
'They found you!?' Hunith questioned sharply.
'Don't worry mother we were all fine,' Merlin reassured.
'Only because of your magic sword,' laughed Lancelot.
'It is as we suspected. She's betrayed me. I will have her executed at dawn,' Morgana said.
'No,' Morgause says sharply. 'Wait. This is good. Let her run to her beloved prince. She will lead us straight to him.'
Below Gwen is speaking, 'no one will suspect me.'
'They already do,' Arthur sighed.
'I know,' Gwen sighed.
Back in the cave Merlin is going through his brown leather bag. Merlin pulls out blue fabric that is on the top of the bag. Gaius watches his ward and then drops down at a crouch beside the black haired young man.
'Merlin, what are you doing?' asked Gaius.
'Looking for something,' Merlin replied.
Arthur rolled his eyes, 'I think Gaius can see that.'
'What?' asked Gaius.
Merlin pulls out the vial of water from the Fisher King, 'this,' Merlin looks at Gaius. 'When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this,' Merlin said as they stand up glancing around as Elyan passes. 'He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way.'
'Yes. But how?' asked Gaius.
Merlin looks out of the corner of his eye at Gaius, 'that's what I've got to find out,' Merlin replied.
In Morgana's chambers Gwen blows out a lighter that she had used to light Morgana's candles. Morgana enters her chambers looking unhappy as she clip-clops across the floor. Gwen gives a false smile as she enters.
'Did you speak to Sir Leon?' asks Morgana.
'Like you don't know,' Merlin said bitterly.
'Yes,' Gwen said nodding.
'And will he do as you asked?' asked Morgana.
'Never,' Leon declares.
'It might take some time, but I think he will come 'round,' Gwen said.
'Gwen,' grinned Morgana walking passed Gwen, 'this deserves a celebration,' Morgana said pouring a little bit of potion into one of the wine goblets.
'Your Majesty?' asked Gwen.
'To friendship and loyalty,' Morgana said handing Gwen one of the flutes.
'To friendship and loyalty,' Gwen said knocking glasses with Morgana and they both take a drink.
Back in the cave Merlin is sitting on a rock by himself. Merlin is attempting to find the message in the water vial from the Fisher King.
'Geriht læc me,' Merlin incanted eyes burning gold but giving no result.
'What does that mean?' asked Leon curious.
'True form, what is right for me,' Merlin replied.
'Did you ever get the right enchantment?' asked Elyan.
'There was no enchantment,' Merlin said pain flashing across his face remembering who it was.
'What was it?' Arthur asked jumping to the wrong conclusions.
Gaius shook his head, 'My Lord the vial was not dangerous but it did stir old memories.'
Merlin looks at the unchanged vial, 'fultumie me!' Merlin tries again eyes flashing gold hut still it doesn't do anything.
Morgause's chambers are empty when Gwen enters.
'My Lady? Morgause?' called Gwen.
When Gwen realises that she's alone Gwen closes the door behind her. Gwen goes to the draw and begins rummaging through the bound scrolls. Gwen finds a set of keys. Gwen presses the key into a mould. Gwen then runs off and Morgause appears from where she has been hiding behind a curtain revealing that she has seen the whole thing. Morgause smirks as her plan is working.
'She saw everything,' groaned Gwen. 'I lead them straight to you.'
'It's okay,' Arthur said. 'It was not your fault and we were better together.'
'Anyway she already knew that you were planning to escape back to Arthur,' Merlin pointed out. 'Knowing you had succeeded in getting a copy of the key wasn't going to make things any worse.'
'I suppose so,' nodded Gwen letting the subject drop.
Back in the cave Merlin is still attempting to enchant the vial.
'Geondlihte gesweorc min!' Merlin incants.
In Elyan's workshop Gwen, the blacksmith's daughter is making a copy of the key to the dungeons. Gwen pours molten metal into the mould that she had made earlier in Morgause's chambers. Gwen carefully leans away from the molten metal whilst handing it with tongs so as not be burnt. Gwen puts the tongs down and wipes her brow sweating from the heat of the burner.
'You really are the daughter of a blacksmith,' laughed Merlin.
'I half grew up in dad's workshop,' agreed Gwen.
'Gwen really was father's little girl,' smiled Elyan sadly.
Merlin has fallen asleep with the vial of water in his hands. Gwaine gets up and Merlin starts causing him to drop the vial of water which promptly smashes on the floor. Merlin wakes to see the water from the vial on the floor.
'You dropped it!?' demanded Arthur. 'You clumsy oaf!' fumed Arthur. 'It could have been useful.'
'We still won so no harm done right, princess,' Gwaine said.
Arthur said nothing just huffed.
'Sorry. Nature calls,' Gwaine said getting up.
'Oh, no!' Merlin said but as he watched the water seemed to glow blue and the image of Freya appeared into the water. 'Freya?' Merlin says in surprise.
'But she's dead,' Arthur said causing Merlin to flinch.
'Arthur,' Gwen said horrified. 'I'm sorry Merlin.'
Merlin shook his head but didn't say anything.
'I've missed you,' Freya said smiling from the puddle.
'You're...' Merlin said.
'Merlin, we don't have long,' Freya said.
'Is it really you?' Merlin asks.
'I swore that one day I would repay you. Now is the moment,' Freya said.
'How is she here?' asked Arthur shocked.
'Avalon is the Other World,' Merlin explained. 'Freya is the Guardian of Avalon.'
'I don't understand,' Merlin said shaking his head.
'There is but one weapon that slay something which is already dead,' Freya said.
'Excalibur,' Arthur breathed.
'And I threw it in Avalon Lake,' Merlin agreed.
'Freya gave it to you,' smiled Gwen.
Merlin nodded harshly.
'A blade forged in the dragon's breath,' Merlin breathed.
'Couldn't you have Kilgharrah make more?' asked Arthur.
'Do you really think Kilgharrah would consent?' asked Merlin. 'Kilgharrah only allowed Excalibur to me made because Arthur is the once and future king. He wouldn't make any more if he could help it! And I will not force Kilgharrah.'
'That weapon lies at the bottom of the Lake of Avalon. Where you hid it,' Freya said.
'But Morgana's army are not dead, they're very much alive,' Merlin pointed out.
'Anyone who toys with the cup pays a terrible price. The moment they entered their pact with Morgause, they became the living dead. You must come to the lake,' Freya said.
'And you will give me the sword?' asked Merlin.
'In your hands it has the power to save Albion,' Freya said.
'I thought it was only supposed to be used by Arthur,' frowned Elyan.
Merlin shrugged, 'I'm a Dragonlord.'
'Thank you,' Merlin said.
'No. It's giving me the chance to see you again,' Freya smiled.
Before Merlin answered Gwaine walks in, 'that's better,' Gwaine says causing Merlin to look at him and away from Freya.
'Well done Gwaine,' Leon shook his head, 'great timing.'
'I didn't know Merlin was conversing with his girl,' Gwaine replied.
'You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost,' Gwaine said as Merlin turned back to Freya.
'That's because I did,' Merlin said.
'Gwaine, you really are more perceptive that people give you credit for,' Gaius said.
'Oi,' Gwaine said insulted.
Merlin gives a fake but watery grin, 'I'm fine. Really,' Merlin said as Gwaine settles back into a sleeping position. Merlin whispers, 'Freya?' but she was gone.
'I'm sorry, mate,' Gwaine said awkwardly. 'You know if I had seen I wouldn't have said anything to the princess here.'
'You wouldn't have?' asked Merlin.
'You were my first friend,' Gwaine said quietly. 'I would do anything to protect you.'
'Thank you, Gwaine,' merlin said quietly.
Merlin runs through the forest outside the cave. Merlin looks behind him to make sure he isn't being followed before running on. Kilgharrah is seen in the sky above. Merlin is on the ground below in the clearing just outside Camelot. Kilgharrah lands opposite Merlin.
'Didn't Morgana or her guards notice a bloody great dragon,' Gwaine said.
'Neither have Arthur or Uther,' Merlin pointed out.
'I have to cross 20 leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take me,' Merlin said.
'I am not a horse, Merlin!' Kilgharrah said.
'If you do not, then Morgana will have won. Unless that's what you want,' Merlin said.
'My allegiance has never been with the witch,' Kilgharrah said.
'He really hates Morgana,' Arthur said.
'I know,' Merlin sighed.
'I know,' Merlin nods. 'But is it with me?'
'Yes, young warlock. It is with you,' Kilgharrah replied.
'He finally chose a side,' Merlin said.
Merlin clutches to the spikes on Kilgharrah's back as Kilgharrah flies through the air with Merlin on his back. Kilgharrah land at Avalon Lake. Merlin jumps off of Kilgharrah's back and stares at the lake.
'Thank you,' Merlin said.
'I warned,' Kilgharrah said causing Merlin to look round at the dragon, 'you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it.'
Merlin nods, 'I promise.'
Merlin looks over the lake which has streams of fog coming off it. Merlin sees a small wooden boat hidden underneath the bushes. Merlin runs over to boat, pushes the boat into the lake and sits in the boat.
'Gesegle,' Merlin incants.
'So Merlin,' smiled Hunith proudly, 'what does that word mean?'
'Sail,' Merlin shrugged.
The boat that Merlin is in begins to move slowly over the surface of the lake due to Merlin's spell. Merlin looks around the lake for Freya when the sudden appearance of a sword shocks him. Merlin watches the Freya's hand and then arm raises the sword high in the air. Merlin grins with tears in his eyes.
Gwen hurries through the streets of Camelot which are empty apart from a sweeper woman and guards. Gwen has a large basket of washing in her hands. Gwen fakes a fall. Gwen looks around and then unties the key from the basket and slips Leon the key through the top of his cell. Leon hearing the jangling gets up and grabs the key.
'Brilliant Gwen,' laughed Merlin.
That night in Camelot the bell tolls letting all inhabitants of Camelot know of an escape. Leon bursts into Gwen's house. Gwen is wearing a travelling cloak and is holding a dress in one arm as she closes the door behind him.
'We haven't got time to waste,' Gwen says and hands Leon a dress.
Leon holds the purple dress up against him and looks it up and down. Leon realises what Gwen is intending him to. Leon looks at Gwen horrified. Gwen turns around slightly worry and fear on her face to face the knight.
'You...You can't be serious,' Leon said.
'You know she is,' laughed Elyan.
'I know,' Leon said.
Elyan snorted, 'it's not the first time that Gwen has made us wear dresses.'
Gwen wore a smile that could only be described as evil, 'but you make such good princesses.'
'Just hurry! Every guard in Camelot will be looking for you. They won't be looking for two women courtiers,' Gwen said.
'Good plan,' laughed Merlin.
'Augh,' Leon said unhappily as he turns around to put the dress on.
In the castle the bells continue to sound. Morgana and Morgause walk down the corridor.
'Sounds like the wait is over,' Morgana says as they watch Leon and Gwen from out the window.
'You didn't think to avoid being seen from the windows of the castle?' demanded Merlin.
'We thought they would be too busy looking for me to worry about two women,' sighed Leon.
'But they were already trailing you,' sighed Arthur.
'Beo þu leohte bewunden!' incanted Morgause as her eyes glow gold and so does trail that Gwen is leaving behind her.
Arthur scowled, 'what does it mean?'
'Shine bright,' replied Merlin, 'and it's neutral magic.'
'Didn't you notice the light?' Arthur demanded of Leon.
'No,' Leon admitted embarrassed.
'You wouldn't have,' Merlin said grimly. 'Only those with magic can see it.'
'The potion does its work,' Morgause says.
'Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved prince,' Morgana says.
The next day Gwen and Leon are in the forest. Gwen is standing leaning on the tree with a change of clothes into clothes that she can more easily walk in. Beside her is the dress Leon was wearing. Leon himself is nowhere to be seen.
'What's taking you so long?' Gwen calls.
'I'm a women,' Leon struggles with his underdress.
'Nobles,' laughed Merlin. 'Can't dress themselves.'
'Oi!' Arthur shouted at his warlock.
'You try wearing a dress,' Leon grumbled.
'It's not that bad,' smiled Gwen. 'I wear dressed whenever we're not in trouble.'
'Which is when?' asked Merlin.
'Here, let me help you,' Gwen said amused going round the back of Leon to help him undo the fastening.
Leon sighs and goes back behind the tree whilst Gwen stands with her back to him, 'from here, we need to take the path heading north. There's a cave in the Darkling Woods,' Leon said taking the dress off to reveal only trousers underneath, 'five minutes due east of the fallen oak. It has a concealed entrance and fresh water. My guess is that's where Arthur's hiding out,' Leon said putting a grey shirt on.
The Immortal Army runs through the forest their swords drawn and their black tunic emblazoned in the red tree. Morgause leads the army on foot across the cliff edge. She glances around the valley below but she cannot see Gwen or Leon.
'Scin scire!' Morgause incants her eyes glowing gold and the golden trail lighting up.
'She used a different spell,' frowned Merlin.
'She already cast the original tracking spell,' explained Gaius, 'which leaves a trail for magic users to see but that spell will allow non-magicals such as the immortal soldiers to see as well.'
'This way,' Morgause says and turns to go down into the valley.
Back in the cave Arthur makes his way over to Merlin. Merlin is crouched over his bag hiding his sword.
'Having a little lie down, Merlin?' Arthur asked.
'No,' Merlin said.
'Good. Because the time for sleeping's over,' Arthur said.
'You seem better,' Merlin said standing up.
'Thanks to you,' smiled Gwen.
'You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin,' Arthur said.
'Except magic,' laughed Gwaine.
'Well, most things, in fact,' Arthur said causing Merlin to frown.
'That's because I'm a warlock trying to be a servant,' Merlin replied.
'But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful,' Arthur said.
'Really?' Merlin asked.
'Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that, if I didn't know you, I'd be completely fooled into thinking you were...' Arthur trailed off.
'Is it really that hard just to give Merlin a compliment?' Gwaine scowled.
'What?' Merlin asked.
'Wise,' Arthur replied.
'Nah,' Merlin shrugged.
Distant shouts from outside the cave can be heard. Arthur and Merlin turn towards the direction of the shouts frowns marring their faces. Arthur picks up and leaves the cave to see who made the shouts.
In the mouth of the cave Arthur crouches with his sword drawn. Merlin and Gwaine are present behind the prince also with swords. They run in a crouch towards the place where the shouts are coming from.
They run and hide behind a rock face so that they can jump out on those who had found them. Arthur jumps out and grabs Gwen. Gwen gasps but then they both smile when they realise who it is. Leon has his sword pointed at Arthur.
'Guinevere!' Arthur says a laugh in his voice and they both hug and they let go so that Arthur can go to his smiling knight. 'Sir Leon!' Arthur says shaking the man's hand.
Suddenly Elyan is running down the hillside, 'we've been found!' Elyan shouts causing Arthur to look up at him the grin sliding off his face whilst Gwaine and Gwen hug. 'They're almost upon us!' Elyan shouts.
'Sorry, sire,' Leon said.
Arthur turns to Merlin, 'get Gaius,' Arthur says pushing Merlin in the direction of the cave and then turns to others, 'we need to get out of here. Run!'
Merlin runs in the direction of the cave. The others run up the hill. Merlin enters the cave where Gaius is the only one still present in.
'They've found us. We need to go,' Merlin said.
'I'll slow you down. It's Arthur you need to protect, not me,' Gaius says.
'Can't I do both?' Merlin asked.
'I won't leave you!' Merlin said.
'Good boy,' smiled Hunith.
'Camelot needs you,' Merlin said.
'Camelot would be nothing without you, Gaius,' smiled Gwen.
'Camelot needs us both. Go!' Merlin pushes Gaius out of the cave. 'I'll be right behind you!'
Merlin shouts running further into the cave to where he had kept his things. Merlin crouches down and pulls the sword from the cloth that he had hidden it under. Merlin then runs out of cave with Excalibur in hand.
Merlin hears movement behind him so runs but then one of the Immortal Soldiers jumps down in front of him and swings his sword at Merlin. Merlin bends away from the sword as more blows come but then swings back at the soldier with Excalibur. After an exchange of blows Merlin slashes the soldier causing it to explode into dust. Merlin is left panting in shock. Merlin then looks at the sword in his hands. Merlin nods and runs off.
'That's quite a sword,' commented Gwaine.
'And it's mine,' Arthur says smugly.
'Can't you get your dragon to make me one,' begged Gwaine.
'No,' Merlin said sharply.
'Well at least yours is stuck in a rock,' Gwaine said smugly.
Arthur, Gwaine, Elyan, Leon and Gwen run through the forest. The group are being relentlessly pursued by Immortal Knights. Suddenly a rock falls from above with a sound of a cry separating Arthur's group from Morgana's men. Arthur merely looks confused.
'Look out!' a male voice shouted.
'Who's that?' Arthur asks.
'Percival and Lancelot,' grinned Merlin.
'Don't know, but I'm liking him already,' Gwaine said a grin appearing on the man's face.
'I'm glad to know that I made a good first impression,' smiled Percival.
'How could you not when you saved their lives?' demanded Merlin.
Lancelot appears standing on the branch of a tree. Percival is behind him. From below Gwen grins up at the man she has once loved.
'Lancelot!' Gwen says in surprise.
'We need to hurry,' Lancelot says nodding.
Lancelot runs off still above the group from Camelot. Percival follows his friend. The group in the valley below run off in the same direction. Arthur looks up at where Lancelot had been and then runs off.
In the forest the group meet up.
'I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident,' Arthur says digging his sword into the ground.
'What do you think?' demanded Merlin.
'This is Percival,' Lancelot said clapping Percival's shoulder. 'It was his strength that brought them down.'
'Your Highness,' Percival said.
'Arthur,' Arthur corrected shaking his head and holding a hand.
'Arthur it is,' Percival replied shaking the future king's hands.
'What were you doing here?' Arthur asked.
'Er...it was me. I sent for him,' Merlin said as he finished tending to Gaius.
'You weren't exactly up to making decisions,' Merlin said quietly, 'but I knew we couldn't retake Camelot on our own and I didn't know Leon would be there so I began sending word to any allies we had.'
'Thank you, old friend,' Arthur said softly.
'Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you,' Arthur said shaking Lancelot's hand.
Lancelot and Gwen share a look.
Arthur scowls, 'what the hell was that?'
Gwen and Lancelot look away from one another.
Morgana and Morgause walk through the halls of Camelot. Morgana is fiddling with a ring on her left hand.
'He was lucky to escape,' Morgause says as she strides along still in her travelling cloak.
'Thanks to Lancelot and Percival,' grinned Merlin.
'I'm sorry, Sister,' Morgause says coming to stop at a balcony.
'What can he do? Arthur has but a handful of men. We have an immortal army at our disposal,' Morgana says smirking.
Gwaine grinned, 'but we have the mighty Emrys!'
'Yes, but whist Arthur lives, the people will not yield,' Morgause says.
Gwen smiles, 'I told you that the people are loyal to you, Arthur.'
'I just hope it lasts,' sighed Merlin.
'What do you mean?' asked Arthur frowning.
'If you are serious about revoking the ban on magic-'began Merlin.
'I am,' Arthur assured Merlin.
'Then the people might not be happy about it,' Merlin said. 'They too have suffered at the hands of magic.'
Arthur swallowed, 'I know but we will show them that magic can be used for good as I have seen.'
'Then we will make them,' Morgana says harshly causing Morgause to turn to her. Tonight we will have a gallows built, and tomorrow, one by one, we will put an end to the knights of Camelot,' Morgana says walking away from her sister who has a small smile and follows Morgana.
The group of refugees approach a large castle. The group enter the darkened castle with only torches to guide them. The group look around at the ancient walls.
'Are you sure we'll be safe in here?' Gaius asked.
'Did Morgana know of this place?' frowned Merlin.
'Probably,' admitted Arthur, 'but she couldn't check everywhere we might have been and we weren't planning to stay in one place for an extended period.'
'This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It'll do for a while,' Arthur said.
'Can't be worse than that cave,' Elyan said looking around at the disused castle.
'Search the place, see what you can find,' ordered Arthur.
Gwen lights a candle that has been left behind. Percival hands Gaius a tankard. Gaius looks up gratefully. Merlin stokes the fire and looks back at the table. Gwaine sets a pile of weapons onto the table.
'They must've been left by bandits,' Gwaine said.
Arthur pulls an old cover off the table that Gaius is sat at, 'here! Come and join me.'
The group of commoners, knights and sorcerers sit around the table. Merlin is at Arthur's right hand. Arthur helps Gwen into the seat at his left but Arthur does not take his seat.
'This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other,' Arthur said causing Merlin to smile.
'I could see the Once and Future King in you then,' Merlin said. 'Then more than any other time.'
'They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here,' Arthur said causing Merlin to smile again. 'My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?'
Lancelot is the first to stand up, 'you taught me the values of being a knight, the code by which a man should live his life,' Lancelot says glancing at Elyan. 'To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good,' Lancelot said looking at Gwen. 'I believe in the world that you will build,' Lancelot nods.
'I don't think that Arthur needed to teach you,' Leon said. 'You already knew them.'
'Without needing Merlin to teach you,' laughed Gwaine.
'Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur,' Elyan said standing up as well.
'I think it was more for Gwen,' Gwaine says amused.
'I believe that I should protect any of my subjects,' Arthur said affronted.
'It is now my turn to repay you,' Elyan continues and Arthur nods.
'You are not a nobody,' scolded Gwen. 'And never have been!'
Leon stands up, ''I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for,' Leon shakes his head.
'I think we've no chance,' Gwaine said.
'Your favourite kind of fight then,' Arthur said.
'Of course,' shrugged Gwaine.
'But I wouldn't miss it for the world,' Gwaine said standing as Arthur gives a disbelieving snort of laughter.
'That's our Gwaine,' laughed Merlin.
Percival stands up, 'your enemies are my enemies,' Percival said simply.
'And he has a lot of enemies,' Merlin said. 'Trust me. Mostly created by Uther.'
Gaius stands up, 'if you need an old man.'
'We'll always need you, Gaius,' smiled Merlin.
Gaius looks proudly up. Arthur smiles at the old physician. Merlin and Lancelot positively beam. Gwen stands up and smiles at Arthur.
'You know the answer,' Gwen said she nods and Arthur smiles.
'I'd do anything for you,' Gwen smiles at the man she loves whilst Lancelot flinches and Elyan looks awkward.
'Merlin?' Arthur asked.
'I'd never leave you,' Merlin said quietly.
'No, don't really fancy it,' Merlin replies shaking his head and remains sitting.
Gwen snorted, 'like you'd ever leave Arthur to go into battle without you. I knew that before I found out about your magic. That you'd been protecting Arthur from the beginning.'
'You don't have a choice, Merlin,' Arthur said.
Merlin stands up, 'okay,' Merlin says and Arthur nods at Merlin who nods back.
'I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of,' Arthur said frowning slightly.
'Knight three commoners and one believed commoner, fight alongside two sorcerers and marry a commoner,' Gwaine snorted. 'Your father would hate you!'
Arthur scowled but didn't say anything because he knew that the knight was right.
Lancelot kneels on the ground by the roaring fire. Gwaine follows Lancelot's lead and kneels beside the commoner. Percival and Leon join the other two on the knees. Arthur walks opposite them with his sword in hand.
Arthur taps his sword on one of Lancelot's shoulders, 'arise, Sir Lancelot, Arthur says tapping his other shoulder. 'Knight of Camelot,' Arthur says as Lancelot stands.
'A lifelong dream fulfilled,' Merlin said proudly
'Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of Camelot,' Arthur says tapping Gwaine on either shoulder causing Merlin to smile as Gwaine stands. 'Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot,' Arthur says tapping Percival on either shoulder who stands towering above the king as Gwen smiles. 'Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot,' Arthur says tapping Elyan on the shoulder with his sword who stands proudly.
'Last thing I ever expected to happen,' murmured Elyan.
'Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.'
Arthur speaks walking up and down in front of the knights. Lancelot turns his head to look at Merlin who nods proudly at his friend.
Later that night Lancelot and Merlin lie side by side. Lancelot has his sword beside him. The fire is still going in the corner. Lancelot stirs slightly and Merlin turns to look at his newly knighted friend.
'You're a knight. At last,' Merlin grins.
Lancelot turns to Merlin and gives a sigh of disbelief, 'but for how long?'
'Who knows?' Merlin asks.
Lancelot turns on his side, 'what'you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well.'
'I'm glad someone does,' smiles Hunith.
'You've only met him twice,' Arthur points out.
'And both those times Merlin has magic tricks up his sleeve,' replied Lancelot.
'He's got a point, Arthur,' Gwen smiled.
'When doesn't Merlin have magic tricks up his sleeve?' grinned Gwaine.
'Never,' agreed Merlin. 'I am magic. I will always turn to magic in times of need … or even when I'm bored … or …'
'We get it Merlin,' Arthur rolled his eyes.
Merlin glances around to see if anyone else is up but not noticing that Gaius is awake, 'it's too difficult to explain.'
'Not really,' Gwaine said. 'You can kill Morgana's soldiers with your magic sword and you have to empty the Cup of Life of it's blood. Easy to explain.'
'Not so easy to carry out,' Merlin said darkly.
'You can tell me,' Lancelot said.
Merlin props himself up on one arm, 'Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and Morgana will be powerless.'
'I'd hardly say powerless,' Arthur said. 'She and Morgause are still powerful.'
'So am I,' Merlin replied.
'But they have far more training,' Gaius said gravely.
Lancelot nods, 'aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.'
'And that's the hard part,' Merlin said darkly.
'Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic,' Merlin pointed out.
'It doesn't make you immortal,' Lancelot replied shaking his head.
'No,' admitted Merlin also shaking his head.
'You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight,' Lancelot said softly causing Merlin to let out a laugh. 'You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it,' Lancelot said causing Merlin to look grim.
'He can't. Not yet. That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing,' Merlin said.
Arthur groaned, 'stopping the alarms being rung was just a ruse.'
'Of course,' Merlin said simply.
'Leave that to me,' Lancelot said and lies back down.
The next day Arthur, the knights, Merlin, Gwen and Gaius stand gathered around the Round Table discussing strategy.
'There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.,' Arthur said
'We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no mean of communication,' Lancelot said.
'Good excuse,' Gwaine said grinning.
'Better than the tavern anyway,' Merlin said rolling his eyes.
'Good idea,' Arthur said.
'I'll need someone with me who knows the castle,' Lancelot said.
'And Merlin is the obvious choice,' Gwen said quietly. 'As the only one not a fighter – or at least not in the conventional way – he would be better not in battle.'
'And it gave Arthur an excuse to get Merlin out of the battle,' Lancelot smiled slightly.
'I'll go,' Merlin said causing Arthur and Gaius to turn to stare at the warlock.
'Alright,' Arthur said and both Merlin and Lancelot nod.
Percival walks passed Arthur and Gwen who are talking by the table.
'Stay here with Gaius,' Arthur says and Gwen nods. 'I want you to gather firewood and make bandages. There'll be casualties,' Arthur says looking down.
'We were lucky there weren't,' Arthur said.
'We had Merlin,' corrected Lancelot.
'Alright,' Gwen said and moves to walk away but Arthur stops her.
'Guinevere,' Arthur says.
'They'll see,' Gwen said looking at the other knights.
'Most of us knew already,' Merlin said.
'And those who didn't are commoners by birth who think that you should marry for love and not politics,' Percival said.
'I didn't care one way or the other,' added Gwaine.
'No I,' Leon said.
'Anyway I think there were more important things to worry about at the time that whether the future king wanted to marry a servant,' Merlin said. 'Like fighting an immortal army!'
'I don't care. I want you to know...if I never see you again...' Arthur trailed off.
'You will. You will see me. I watched you last night,' Gwen said taking Arthur's face in her hands. 'You gave us hope, something to believe in. I saw the king you will become.'
'As did I,' smiled Merlin.
'But you have the advantage of knowing what he will become,' smiled Gwen.
'I'm so proud of you Arthur,' Gwen said.
Gwen kisses Arthur. The kiss lasts some time and when they break apart Gwen remains in Arthur's arms. Lancelot it appears as watched the whole thing and walks away behind Gwaine. Gaius approaches Merlin.
'You need to be careful,' Gaius said.
'Aren't I always?' grinned Merlin.
'Do you really want me to answer that,' Gaius said drily.
'No,' admitted Merlin.
'I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells,' Merlin said grinning.
'I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you,' Gaius said.
'I have no choice,' Merlin said nodding.
'I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago,' Gaius reminisced.
'Performing magic with no concern for my safety,' Merlin shook his head.
'Who would believe,' Gaius says smiling proudly at his ward and they hug.
Arthur and his co-conspirators run through the trees surrounding Camelot. They look up and can see the castle walls. Arthur and Merlin look grim as they see the door to the hidden tunnel. They wait until the guards have left their posts before Arthur indicates to the others and they move forward.
In the Castle Gwen enters the room with the Round Table in it through large oka doors.
'Gaius?' Gwen calls frowning at the empty room. Gaius?!' Gwen shouts.
Hunith smiles, 'you went to help them.'
'Merlin did say Camelot needed both of us,' Gaius replied.
In the bowels of Camelot Arthur pushes Lancelot on, 'good luck,' Arthur says as Melin and Lancelot run off.
In an upper corridor of Camelot Lancelot and then Merlin appear around the corner looking around for any guards present. They hide when they spot guards at the other end of the corridor. They approach slowly when Merlin suddenly gasps.
'You can sense the Cup can't you?' asked Arthur.
'It is a very powerful magical artefact,' pointed out Merlin. 'Of course I could sense it like I always do.'
'I can sense the Cup's power. This way,' Merlin said.
Merlin and Lancelot are just about to walk down the corridor when a guard comes down the corridor spotting Merlin and Lancelot. Lancelot pulls out his sword and crosses blades with the immortal. Merlin kills the guard.
'What is that?' asked Lancelot looking at Merlin shock.
'It was forged in a dragon's breath,' Merlin explained with a smile as Lancelot stares at the servant and they move on.
Two guards are walking in the dungeons. Gwaine comes out behind them. The guards do not notice the Tavern loving knight. Gwaine whistles causing the guards to turn around. Gwaine ducks back into the alcove and runs down the corridor. Gwaine followed by the guards runs through cell doors and then another.
'Now!' Gwaine calls to Percival who shuts the cell behind the guards whilst Elyan and Leon shut the other locking the guards in. 'Stay there and don't move, eh?' Gwaine asks as the knights run off.
Lancelot and Merlin peek out behind their hiding space to see a row of four guards protecting the Cup of Life.
'What do we do now?' asked Lancelot as Merlin shakes head.
'Come on you've got this far,' groaned Hunith.
'Don't worry I defeat the guards and empty the Cup of Life,' Merlin grinned.
'Obviously,' Arthur rolled his eyes. 'As we succeeded in defeating Morgana.'
Arthur and comes around the corner where the Immortal Guard notice him straight away and draw their swords. Arthur runs at them as the knights fight guards. Arthur throws keys to the imprisoned knights.
Lancelot and Merlin attack guards. Lancelot fighting the majority of the guards off whilst Merlin stays back. Merlin manages to kill one of the guards and they get inside council room where they lock the door. They turn around and face more guards.
In the dungeons Arthur opens Uther's cell. Uther is lying on the wall of his cell.
Arthur sighed knowing what Morgana's betrayal had done to the once strong man.
'Father, we have to hurry,' Arthur says as he undoes Uther's chains.
'I'm sorry,' Uther says.
'Please, Father, now isn't the time,' Arthur says pulling Uther over his shoulder.
Lancelot fights one of the immortal guards punching him in the face. Merlin explodes another knight.
In the dungeons the Knights of Camelot fight Morgana's army. Arthur crosses blades with one such soldier. Arthur then kicks the soldier back whilst Uther curls up in the corner.
Lancelot kicks his soldier back as well. Lancelot spins his sword around hitting another Immortal Soldier. Merlin stabs another of the soldiers causing it to explode. Lancelot is stabbed from behind causing Merlin to start.
Arthur and the knights fight down below.
Lancelot continues to fight even though he is injured.
Arthur crosses swords with a soldier. Percival is backed into the corner by two of the soldiers. Percival lets out a roar beating back the two guards. The warning bell start to ring but Arthur continues to fight.
'Arthur: What the hell are those two doing?!' Arthur shouts.
Lancelot continues to fight with a hand on his side as he winces from the pain of the wound. Lancelot seems to collapse from the pain of the wound. Merlin takes over the fight. Merlin kills last guard and goes for the Cup but Morgause enters and throws him across the room into a wall where Merlin lets out a shout.
'We were so close,' Merlin said bitterly.
'Well you got to the cup anyway,' Gwaine said cheerfully.
'Only thanks to Gaius,' Merlin replied.
Arthur and the knights continue to fight as Morgana's reinforcements arrive. Arthur elbows one of the Immortal Soldiers. Elyan grabs his injured arm. Uther is still crouched in the corner. Arthur then stops fighting.
'Arthur,' groaned Gwen. 'Don't give up.'
'If we're gonna go down! We'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot!' Arthur shouts.
'RAAAAAHHHHHHH!' the knights yell.
Merlin gasps on the floor as Morgause looks down at him.
'I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again,' Morgause says holding up her hand to curse Merlin.
'No, you won't,' agreed Gaius. 'Oferswing'
'What does that mean?' asked Gwaine.
'Strike her,' Merlin said.
Morgause gets thrown across the room. Morgause gets up and holds a hand up ready to cast a spell at Gaius but then is thrown across the room into a pillar. Morgause lies still on the floor. Merlin is still crouched on the floor with his hand held out.
'You can really see who is the more powerful out of you two,' Gwaine said.
'I don't try to claim I'm more powerful than Merlin,' Gaius said. 'I'm a fairly weak sorcerer whilst Merlin is Merlin.'
'Merlin! The Cup!' Gaius shouts.
Merlin pants as he picks up the sword and runs towards the cup. Lancelot watches from his place behind the pillar. Merlin picks up Excalibur and knocks Cup off pedestal. The blood spills down the pillar.
In the dungeons Arthur and his knights are still fighting. Suddenly the Immortals explode. Arthur looks around in surprised.
'I honestly thought that we were dead,' Arthur said. 'Then suddenly Morgana's army disappeared it was a shock to us.'
In the council room Merlin looks around as Morgana enters. Morgana spots Morgause lying unconscious on the floor.
'Is she alive?' asked Arthur.
'I don't know,' Merlin admitted. 'Morgana lost control and transported them both out of the Council Chambers before I could do anything to stop her.'
'No! No!' Morgana shouts and runs to and embraces Morgause. 'Sister,' Morgana says as Merlin and Gaius share a look.
'It's over, Morgana,' Merlin says.
'No, you're wrong. This has just begun!' Morgana says.
'Well that's ominous,' Gwaine says.
'And worrying,' Arthur says grimly. 'Considering we have no idea where she is or what she's planning.'
'No,' Morgana screams.
As Morgana screams her eyes glow gold she loses control of her magic. The windows explode and cracks appear on the council room ceiling as it crumbles. Gaius looks up in horror. Merlin rung to Lancelot and helps him out of the collapsing building.
In the dungeons Uther sits crouched in the corner. Arthur approaches him and kneels beside his father and king with his sword still in his hand pointed to the ground. Arthur places a hand on Uther's shoulder.
'You're safe now, Father,' Arthur said helping Uther to his feet.
'Where's Gwaine?' asked Elyan still holding his injured arm as he and the other the knights look around. 'Gwaine? You still alive?'
'What do you think?' Gwaine's voice sounds from a side passage. 'And that's Sir Gwaine to you,' Gwaine says walking out causing the other knights to laugh at Gwaine's pour attempt at wit.
'Only Gwaine,' Merlin shook his head.
The next day the bells chime with the Knights of Camelot back to being the guards. Arthur and Merlin sit on the stairs.
'Have you seen the state of these boots?' asked Arthur.
'Yeah,' Merlin said flippantly.
'I think he means that you have to fix them,' Gwen said with a smile on her face.
'Well, go and get something to clean them,' Arthur said.
'Why?' Merlin asked causing Arthur to stare at him. 'They're your boots.'
'Have you lost your mind?' asked Arthur.
'It is debatable he ever had one,' Gaius said.
'I thought you believed in equality,' Merlin said.
'I'm sorry?' Arthur asked.
'At the Round Table, you said-' Merlin begins but Arthur interrupt him.
'Shut up, Merlin,' Arthur said smiling and gives Merlin a friendly shove.
Merlin laughs and then looks down, 'how's your father?'
'I don't know. All this. Morgana. It's hit him hard,' Arthur said.
'To put it mildly,' Arthur said bitterly.
'Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become...become King,' Merlin suggested turning to look at Arthur.
Arthur looks at Merlin and gives a small nod, 'who knows what the future will bring.'
'Trouble probably if you two are involved,' Gwaine laughed.
At that moment Arthur looks up. Gwen has returned on a white horse accompanied by the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur smiles and gets up leaving a smiling Merlin on the steps. Arthur helps Gwen off of her hugs and they embrace which turns into a kiss. Gwen then hugs her prince as Merlin smiles.
That night in the physician's chambers Merlin and Gaius sit at their little table talking.
'And they searched through the remains of the rubble, and still no Morgana?' asked Gaius.
'Or Morgause,' agreed Merlin.
Gaius nods, 'they won't have gone far,' Gaius says causing Merlin to nod. 'Merlin, no one else is going to say this to you, but I will. Well done.'
'I told you Camelot needed both of us,' Merlin said grinning and they both laugh.
'We're going to have to tidy this place up,' Gaius said.
'Hmm. But not now,' Merlin said standing and turning to leave.
'Where are you going?' asked Gaius.
'To hide the sword,' guessed Arthur.
'Naturally,' Merlin said. 'It was not the time for you to get the sword. Not yet.'
'Er...' Merlin said wearing a nervous smile.
'You are a really bad liar,' Arthur said.
'You never fathomed me out,' Merlin pointed out causing Arthur to scowl. 'Anyway I wasn't lying to Gaius. I just wasn't telling Gaius what I was up to because of the dangers associated with any sword forged in a dragon's breath.'
'What are you up to?' asked Gaius.
'There's something I have to do,' Merlin replied nodding and running out of the door as Gaius watches him with confusion.
'You are very secretive Merlin,' Lancelot said, 'even to those who are aware of who and what you are.'
'It's just how I was raised,' shrugged Merlin.
Merlin walks through the woods with Excalibur tucked under his arm.
'In the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once it's task is done,' Kilgharrah says as he sees a large rock in front of him. 'You will place is where none can wield it.'
Merlin glances around the forest to check that there is none who can see where he hides it. Merlin rises the sword above the stone and with a flash of gold Merlin places it in the stone. Merlin looks at his handiwork before he leaves.
Okay we've got caught up to the present time. So I am either going to return them to their present time with the knowledge of the past or allow them to see the future. Please vote in the poll.