Merlin's Chosen
Summary: Arthur has slept in Avalon, the otherworldly place just beyond the reach of magic for all but Merlin and his chosen, recovering from the injuries sustained in the battle at Camlann. Years have passed and times have changed and Hogwart's school of Witchcraft and Wizardry has taken it's place on the edge of the Lake of Avalon, unknown to modern witches and wizards. The world is in need of the Once and Future King to protect Albion again but to do that the immortal Merlin, the man that has learned to live backwards, must be there and he is nowhere to be found. It is now the job of Merlin's Chosen. Only, Harry Potter thinks he's going mental.
This is based on the mountains that are around the movie version of Hogwarts and the lake that Merlin takes Freya to in Season 2 Episode 9.
A/N: I AM SO SORRY! I got stuck. So very stuck and I started all over again. Out came this and I am so glad it did. Then it got away from me. I feel like you guys deserve this long chapter for waiting so long and sticking with me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 16
The streets of Camelot seemed subdued to Merlin as he assisted with the clean up and rebuilding. Thankfully, Morgause's forces had little time to ransack homes along their path so it was more clean up than rebuilding.
After Morgause's death, the remaining mercenaries were rounded up and confined to the dungeons awaiting trial. Morgana was confined to her chambers with armed guards at the door and a few sneaky spells at the lock placed there by Merlin, more for Morgana's safety than imprisonment.
That was because Arthur was at a loss at what to do with her.
The council was calling for her head, with more creative ways as the sessions went on.
Gwen was avoiding Morgana's wing entirely with a mournful look in its direction when she thought no one could see her.
Gaius treated her as he always did. Binding her wounds with a gentleness inherent to an experienced healer and the kindness and love of an old uncle.
The general citizens of Camelot were divided between the memory of the kindly King's ward that took care of them and the evil sorceress that terrorized them. Yet rumors circulated in the lower town that she was being controlled by the blonde woman and if Merlin started the rumor, he would deny it until his dying day.
Merlin on the other hand took it upon himself to make sure Morgana was as comfortable as she could be. It was the least he could do after everything he did.
He knocked lightly then entered. "I've brought you your lunch, my lady," he called, setting the plate on the table.
"Why do you still serve him?"
The question was so quiet that Merlin almost didn't hear her and he wasn't sure if he was supposed to. Still, he hesitated in answering.
"Why do you still serve him?" she repeated, louder, but still not loud enough to be heard by the guards outside her door. "You're the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth. You were even feared and respected by Morgause, yet you serve Arthur, a man who would have your head on a spike." Merlin flinched but he wasn't sure if she could see the reaction to her words with his back to her. "From what Morgause and Druids told me, Emrys - you- are magic itself. So tell me, why do you serve him?"
"Because he is destined to unite the lands of Albion and usher in the Golden Age," Merlin said, just as quietly. "And I am to be at his side, guiding him, and to welcome magic back to Camelot."
Morgana snorted. "As if he ever would. He is just like his father. He would never let magic back into Camelot. He is downstairs, no doubt, planning my own execution."
"You're wrong, my lady," Merlin interrupted. "He has spent countless hours trying to convince the council not to pursue your death. If there is to be a punishment, he is advocating banishment."
He turned in time to see the surprise on her face. "Why?" she asked. "Why would he do that?"
Merlin sighed. He hoped he didn't look as weary as he felt. "Because he doesn't want to lose the only family he has left."
Morgana flinched at the reminder. "But if not because of my magic then on my treason alone, I should die."
"What treason?" Merlin asked. "You were not yourself. All the knights saw it that day and Gaius can attest that Morgause was controlling you through the bracelet."
Morgana seemed to deflate, half in relief and half in defeat. "Do you think the council will allow my banishment?"
Merlin hesitated. "I do not know, my lady. But Arthur will try with everything he has to make it so, even if he has to break you out himself."
…MC…MC…MC…
Arthur was brooding again. It was something Merlin was used to after the years of serving the king, so Merlin wasn't worried about the king standing at the window staring out into the courtyard without really seeing it. At least he wasn't worried until the whispered question, "What do I do, Merlin?"
Knowing the fierce arguments he had endured with the council that day, Merlin shrugged. "Break her out and send her into exile like you want to." It was said so casually and the resultant silence was so deafening that it didn't take long for Merlin to look up and see the gapping king. "What?" he asked.
"That's treason, Merlin."
"How is that treason? You're the king."
"If a king wants to enforce laws, he can't go around breaking them because he wants to."
"Either way, your word is the law, so if you want to sentence her to exile then there is nothing for the council to do." Merlin turned back to the king's dinner and finished setting it out. "But if you don't want to completely circumvent the council and still have their loyalty then let someone else do it and turn a blind eye to it."
Merlin smirked at Arthur as he gestured to the meal. "I will leave you to your thoughts, Sire. Gaius is in need of my help tonight, but I will be back to take care of the dishes later."
Arthur smiled and Merlin tried to ignore the exhaustion in those eyes. "Thank you, Merlin." The slight inflection in the way he said his name told Merlin he was thanking him for more than the food, but for the counsel as well. Merlin only hoped that it was enough to convince Arthur to do the right thing.
...MC...MC...MC...
Merlin grit his teeth as Morgana was led into the Great Hall. He had no idea where they found the shackles but he could feel the dark magic on them and he knew they were meant to dampen Morgana's connection to her magic.
They were barbaric.
The gathered nobles shifted uneasily as she was led up to the dais to stand in front of Arthur. He was stone faced, but Merlin could see the fury in his eyes in what he hoped was for his sister's treatment. Beside him, Leon stood, as the first knight, reading a list of charges laid against her. Morgana flinched at a few, but Merlin could see the confusion for most.
"Lady Morgana Le Fay," Leon said. "How do you plead against these charges laid before you?"
Morgana hesitated. Then she seemed to gather what courage she had left and said, "Not guilty."
The assembly tittered with surprise, but Arthur seemed unmoved.
"And what defense do you have?" Leon asked.
"Coercion," Morgana said, "by magical means."
Merlin shared an unsurprised look with Gawain as people around them whispered furiously.
"And what evidence do you have to back such a claim?"
Morgana seemed to scramble for a moment until Gaius stepped forward with a rather familiar bracelet in his hand broken in two.
"Your majesty," he said with a bow. "I hold in my hand the very bracelet Morgause used to ensnare the Lady Morgana."
"And how do you know that it could have been used for such a purpose?" Leon asked.
Merlin internally flinched at the loaded question. It was a well known secret that Gaius used to practice the Old Religion and, by extension, magic, but they couldn't come out and say that he could feel the spells. So with a little thought and planning, they crafted a careful lie.
"Upon examination of the Lady Morgana on both of her returns to Camelot, I recognized a few of the markings on the bracelet to be runes. Upon further research of the runes and other symbols laid into the metal, I realized they were spells." The crowd erupted into whispers.
"And what were the nature of these spells?"
"A sleeping charm, which made sense with what the Lady Morgana told me of its purpose."
"And the other spells?"
"Coercion, loyalty and anger. I can only surmise that the loyalty was to be directed to Morgause and the anger be directed to the late King Uther and Your Majesty."
"Can you be sure that the spells are broken?" Leon asked.
"Yes, my lord," Gaius said. "The spells were laid into the metal so when it was broken so were the spells. Also, the bracelet would have to be worn in order for the spells to work."
"And you, Morgana?" Arthur said, speaking for the first time. "What do you have to say about this?"
"It makes sense, Your Majesty," she said. "My memories of the past few years are muddled at best and mostly nonexistent."
There was a scoff from the audience.
"Yes, Sir Baudwin? Do you have a question?"
The elder knight seemed befuddled to be called out but puffed up. "How do we know she isn't lying to avoid the pyre?" he asked.
Merlin stepped forward, actually glad he could help. "If I may, Sire." Arthur gestured for him to continue. "I found the Lady Morgana slumped in the corridor outside of Gaius' chambers near two months back. She was injured, tired, confused and asking to see the king. Only when I mentioned his Majesty, she was confused and insisted that King Uther was still on the throne. The whole of Albion knows of your ascension, Sire. Through further questioning by myself and Gaius, we were able to determine that she was missing the better part of four years."
Arthur nodded his thanks and Merlin stepped back.
"Gaius, can you corroborate Merlin's claims?" Leon asked.
Gaius nodded. "I can, my lord. Everything he said is accurate."
Sir Baudwin stepped forward, his face red in what Merlin assumed was anger. "And what of the magic?"
Arthur appeared confused. "What of it?"
"She is a sorceress, Your Majesty."
"Do you have proof of such a claim?" Arthur asked.
Sir Baudwin sputtered. "Proof? Your father —"
"I am not my father," Arthur said. "I do not execute people on mere conjecture. So do you have proof or eye witness testimony that the Lady Morgana cast any spells?"
There was silence in the hall and Arthur seemed to nod. "I come to no decision lightly, thus I will take two days to think on the matter. In that time if anyone would like to come forward privately, seek out Sir Leon for an audience. For now the Lady Morgana will be remanded to her chambers under full time armed guard." Arthur took a breath. "That is all."
The assembly seemed not to understand that they were dismissed, but as Arthur gestured his knights forward to escort Morgana back to her chambers, the gathered nobles got the hint that they were to move on.
A few of the older council members mobbed the dais, but Arthur waved them off and in the direction of Sir Leon. Instead, he waved for Merlin to follow him and Gwen through the back hallway and away from prying eyes.
In a moment of weakness, Arthur leaned his head against the stone wall and just breathed. Gwen rested her hand on his shoulder and he smiled. "Thank you both for helping me with this."
Gwen and Merlin just smiled in response. As Arthur straightened and continued onto his and Gwen's chambers.
"Shall I get your meal, your majesties?"
When Arthur didn't seem to want to answer Gwen smiled and said, "Thank you, Merlin. That would be great."
Merlin could feel the tension throughout the castle and vowed to visit Morgana the first chance he got. Merlin politely waited for the cook to stop ranting and raving about the various nobles that kept sending the meals back with asinine complaints.
"Not that their majesties do such a thing," she said giving Merlin a kindly smile.
"It's because your cooking is the best they can get in all the five kingdoms."
Cook snorted. "Charmer." She had her maids pile a platter full of the King's and Queen's favorites and away Merlin went. The steps back to Arthur's chambers were familiar so when he heard whispers coming from a barely used alcove he stopped for a moment to listen.
"He's been enchanted by that witch, I just know it." The heated words sounded harsh coming from Sir Baudwin mouth. His companion merely grunted his ascent. "So she should be killed so the King will be free and we can go back to the way things were before."
It took all of Merlin's will power not to drop the tray and run for Arthur's chambers. Instead he backed up a few steps and let out a whistle as if he were just walking back from the kitchens. He took perverse pleasure in the panic in the men's eyes as he rounded the corner and past them in the hall, but he also kept pace so they didn't think he heard them and their plans.
Merlin entered the royal chambers and quietly set the tray on the table before walking over to Arthur's brooding form. "We need to get Morgana out of the castle. Sir Baudwin and his cohort believe you to be enchanted and are conspiring to kill Morgana to free you."
"You heard them planning it?"
"Just now in the alcove at the end of the hall." Merlin thought for a moment. "They weren't subtle about it but they seemed panicked when they saw me in the hallway."
"Did they know you heard them?"
"No, but they may suspect if only to save their own backsides."
Arthur sighed. "We can't take Morgana out of the castle for fear they would accuse us of letting her go, but we can't let them get to her." Arthur turned from the window with determination. "Merlin, go and warn the knights we trust and get to her chambers as if you were taking her evening meal. Stay there until or if something happens."
Merlin nodded and headed out the door. He was lucky and saw Elyan, no doubt on his way to visit his sister, at the end of the hall. He pulled the knight into the same alcove and gave him the run down of what happened and Arthur's orders. Elyan nodded and headed off to find the others. Merlin on the other hand, headed to the kitchens once again. After reassuring Cook that the monarchs loved their meal and he was there to pick something up for Morgana, Cook handed over a tray with an affectionate huff.
Merlin navigated the halls to the guarded chambers of Morgana only to be stopped by the guard. "No one allowed in. Not even the servants. By order of the king."
Merlin kept a straight face, but inside he was frowning. "I have the lady's dinner. I do not think the king would allow her to starve while awaiting her fate."
"I said, no one was allowed in by order of the king. Now move along."
Merlin did frown at that. "Funny that," he said. "Because I just came from the King's chambers with orders to give the Lady Morgana her dinner, so you move."
Merlin was saved by Gawain showing up. "What is going on here?" he asked. The guard glared at him.
"I was just informing this servant that the king ordered no visitors, not even to deliver food."
"And I informed him that I just came from the presence of the king with orders to deliver the food so we are at an impasse, my lord."
Gawain was about to comment when there was a scuffle and a shout from inside the room. Merlin moved for the door while the guard moved to intercept him only to be found at sword point by Gawain. Merlin burst into the room in time to see Morgana shove Sir Baudwin into the stone wall and hold him at what seemed to be his own knife. Another one of his men was slumped against the wall unconscious.
"Took you long enough," she muttered.
Behind Merlin Gawain knocked out the guard and whistled for his fellow knights to help him in subduing the offenders. Merlin went to Morgana and did a quick once over to make sure she had no visible injuries.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She nodded but was shaking. Merlin gently reached out and took the knife from her trembling hand.
He passed the weapon off to a knight just as Arthur rushed into the room with all the fury of a king.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"The witch was attempting to escape and we stopped her!" Sir Baudwin said, from his place between a glaring Elyan and Gawain. "Then your knights burst in and —"
"Stop with the drivel, Sir Baudwin," Arthur said cutting him off. "We know what you were planning to do. Take him and his accomplices to the dungeon." Arthur waved them off dismissively before turning to Morgana.
"Are you all right, Morgana?"
For just a second, she looked ever the haughty noble woman before her expression cracked and she fell against him in tears. Arthur didn't hesitate to bring his arms around her and whisper calming words into her ear.
Leon came through the door and took in the scene with a critical eye. "Sire?" His voice was soft and Arthur looked up. "Sir Baudwin and his accomplices are secure. What is your command?"
"Leon, question them. Break them if need be." The first knight nodded and took Elyan along to help him. "Gawain, Percival, please question the Lady Morgana and get her side of the story. We need this all to be separate and beyond reproach when we bring this to the council. Merlin stay with Morgana." Merlin nodded and gently pulled Morgana from Arthur's grasp.
Merlin could only imagine what Arthur was feeling in that moment, after everything that had happened that day alone. But he guided Morgana over to her bed and sat her down.
"Are you injured in any way, my lady?"
She shook her head, tears still freely streaming down her face. Merlin fished for a clean cloth and handed it to her to wipe her face and she smiled gratefully.
"Just a few bumps and bruises, but nothing lasting. The one thing Uther taught me well was how to protect myself."
Merlin smiled and nodded.
"Are you able to tell us what happened, my lady?" Percival asked.
Merlin could feel her shaking from his place checking on a blooming bruise on her forehead. "Yes, sir knight. I can."
"Percival."
Morgana looked up at him in confusion.
"My name is Percival and I have found that it makes it easier somehow."
Merlin shot him a raised eyebrow a la Gaius and Percival grimaced, embarrassed.
Morgana let out a watery laugh but she seemed more at ease. "A servant knocked saying they had my evening meal. I thought it strange because Merlin has been bringing my meals, but they came in and behind him was Sir Baudwin and his lackey. They sent the servant away and locked the door behind them. They started in an continuation of their vitriol from the trial before Sir Baudwin drew his knife and came at me with it. He did not expect for me to be able to fight back and that's when the other attacked. I managed to quickly knock him out against the wall and disarm Sir Baudwin and that's when Merlin burst in."
Percival nodded then looked nervous. "Was any magic used?" The words were said in such a way that suggested that Percival was not condemning her, but needed to know.
"No," Morgana said definitively. "To be honest, I believe Morgause didn't want anyone to overcome her and didn't teach me anything."
Merlin shared a startled look with Gawain, but didn't say anything.
Percival nodded. "At least you can be beyond reproach in that respect." Then, Percival seemed to realize what he said and pulled a face. "I'm sorry. That did not come out the way that it should have."
Morgana smiled. "Thank you." Percival looked confused but she didn't clarify.
Elyan appeared at the door and motioned for Gawain. Merlin knew something had happened by the way Gawain and Leon interacted.
"Are in you pain at all?" he asked.
Morgana shook her head. "I am a bit hungry."
"I did bring a meal but in the struggle, I am afraid it was ruined. But I can go and get something if you would like."
"Thank you, Merlin. I would like that."
He stood and on his way out of the room mentioned to Percival that he was going to get something for Morgana to eat.
The castle was quiet. The servants knowing what happened and generally making sure the castle ran efficiently as possible. Cook didn't even blink at Merlin's appearance, but foisted a full platter of food at him and said to feed all that needed it and if he needed more to just send a maid to the kitchens and more would be provided. Merlin just nodded and thanked her before heading back upstairs.
Morgana just laughed and told all the knights to sit and eat with her. Leon seemingly long gone. She even motioned for Merlin to take the seat next to her and eat. Merlin didn't argue feeling famished after the day.
"What is Arthur going to do?" Morgana asked. Almost whispered.
The knights stopped and looked at each other clearly uncomfortable. "Arthur is a fair man and he will do his best to find the best compromise," Merlin said.
"Said like a seasoned nobleman," Morgana said. "Makes sense considering how long you've been working for Arthur."
Percival and Gawain snorted and Merlin glared at them while Morgana looked between them with a smile.
They all looked up when Leon once again knocked. "Merlin? Arthur is asking for you." Merlin nodded but Morgana suddenly looked panicked. "Percival, Arthur asked that you stay with the Lady Morgana for now. Her Majesty will join you in a few moments. Gawain, he asked that you lead the afternoon training for the younger knights."
With assignments given the group broke up. Morgana stood and offered her thanks to each of them but when she got to Merlin there was a glint in her eye that he hoped no one else saw. "Thank you, Merlin. From what Leon told me if you hadn't heard Sir Baudwin that they might have been able to succeed." Merlin bowed as one of the few times he observed courtly conduct but Merlin heard the unsaid thanks from one magic user to another.
Merlin smiled and gave Gwen another bow as he passed her in the hall. He noted the hesitance but determination that she had with every step toward her former mistress's chambers.
Arthur sat at the table, half used parchments scattered around him that seemed covered in scratch marks and half formed sentences.
"This has become a full on mess," Arthur said by way of greeted and Merlin hummed his agreement.
"You already know what you need to do with Sir Baudwin and his accomplices. Ultimately that part has nothing to do with Morgana and everything to do with them trying to take justice into their own hands."
Arthur nodded, but still didn't look comforted. "Be that as it may, it will be hard to convince the council of their crimes."
Merlin did his best to keep his voice measured and calm. "Then you rely too much on the council and need to rely more on yourself. You know what needs to be done and now you just need to do it."
Arthur sighed but nodded. "Thank you, Merlin, but for now we wait. What I won't do is go back on my word at how long I will take to come to judgement."
Merlin could understand that and just quietly set about doing his chores.
...MC...MC...MC...
It seemed a larger crowd had gathered in the great hall two days later as Merlin took his place next to Gaius. This time before them Sir Baudwin and his accomplices in the form of a guard and his first knight stood in irons. By that point, the entire castle had heard about what happened in Morgana's chambers.
The trio stood stoic as Arthur looked down on them, but the room was silent so unlike a few days before when Morgana was brought before the king. Arthur, on the other hand, was seething from his place on the throne. Gwen sat next to him her face not showing any emotion. Leon's voice was measured and sure as he started the trial that would end with their lives forfeit.
"Sir Baudwin, Knight of Camelot, John, son of Matthew, and Peter, son of Thomas, you are brought before this body to answer accusations of conspiracy and attempted murder of a member of this court. How do you plead?" Leon said.
"We did nothing wrong, Your Majesty." The plea was echoed by the other two men and Arthur's face turned stoney.
Arthur stood and Merlin took a little pleasure in the recoil from the King.
"How can you stand there and say you did nothing wrong? We have witnesses and your almost victim survived."
"Our victim is a witch and under the laws of this kingdom she should be put to death."
"No one came forward to say they witnessed the Lady Morgana do any magic. Those who did came forward did so in support of her. So whether she is a witch or not is of no consequence considering the charges laid before her. You on the other hand, everything you did can be proven and as such there is only one consequence under the law." Merlin knew Arthur paused only to let the news sink in as to what was about to happen. "Sir Baudwin of Camelot, you are here by stripped of your title and of your lands. They will be returned to the kingdom from which they came. You and your accomplices are hereby sentenced to death for your crimes against the citizens of Camelot and against the crown. Take them away."
Merlin watched as they fought against those that were leading them away. Yet he ignored the shouting and curses against the king and his house and it was only when a scandalized Gwen told him what they said did he find out the vile things they uttered.
"Sir Leon," Arthur called and his first knight came up to stand at the foot of the dais. "See that their sentence be carried out at dawn and with no witnesses beside yourself, Sir Gawain and the executioner. They do not deserve the pomp and circumstance of a public execution."
Leon nodded. "It will be done, Sire."
Arthur looked up to the end of the hall and nodded. Once again Morgana appeared in the doorway and Merlin grit his teeth. She was wearing the enchanted irons again. Arthur stood at the end of the long walk, his expression unreadable to everyone but those closest to him.
"Morgana Pendragon," Arthur said. It was the second time he had called her by her father's name. A father that never acknowledged her. Whispers erupted throughout the hall and Merlin tried not to smirk at what he was hearing behind him. "I have thought long and hard about what is to be done about you. After the testimonies given, I have decided to pardon you of all the crimes you have been accused of against the peoples and kingdom of Camelot and extend to you all the rights and privileges of those afforded to the house of Pendragon."
Arthur motioned for the irons to be removed and Morgana stretched her wrists as if she fully expected to be remanded to the pyre. Arthur smiled down at her and reached down to guide her up the steps. She took his hand and he led her to the chair opposite Gwen. The women smiled at each other.
"Arthur, wait," she said. And he jerked to a stop right before the chair, confusion all over his face. "I thank you for the pardon and for welcoming me into the family, but you can't do this."
Merlin didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't that.
"I can because I am the king." Merlin could hear the jest in his voice and he could see Morgana smile from his place next to Gaius.
"That is not what I mean." She motioned to the assembled body. "They will never trust me and I would never forced them to. Will you allow me to go into exile and live out my days in peace?"
"Where will you go?" Arthur asked. There was a murmur among the crowd.
Morgana took a breath. "I don't know."
"Will you allow me to help you find a place to go so that you will be comfortable?"
"Arthur..." Morgana said. Merlin was starting to figure that they had forgotten there was anyone else there. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Be that as it may, I still wish to help you where I can."
"Then a horse and supplies, if you wish to help so much."
Arthur smiled. "Consider it done under one condition."
"And what condition is that?"
"Please write every once in a while."
Morgana returned the smile. "Consider it done."
Leon let out a discreet cough and the newly reconciled siblings laughed before Arthur allowed his sister to descend from the dais and walk as a free woman from the hall. Merlin watched as he discreetly motioned for Percival to follow her to her chambers as a protection.
Merlin watched as Gwen walked up to her husband and soft words were exchanged before he was pulled away by Gaius for his chores that day.
He was just on his way to Gaius' favorite field for potion ingredients when he heard his name called. He turned to see Morgana followed closely by Percival walking toward him.
"My lady," he said, giving his head a dip.
She smiled. "None of that now, Merlin," she said. "I wanted to thank you for all you help."
"That is all I wanted to do, my lady," he said and she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Be that as it may, take the thanks and know that you will always find help in me if or when you ever need it."
There was a veiled reference to his magic, but he also knew his secret was safe. He smiled in returned and nodded. "Consider the same in me, my lady."
She nodded and turned to her guard. "Okay, you great lump. We have a physician to visit."
Merlin barked out a laugh at Percival's look and waved as they walked away.