Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.


Chapter 8 – The Lady of the Lake


The first of the refugees from Nemeth began arriving early the following day. Both King Rodor and Princess Mithian were on hand to greet their people who were overjoyed to see that the two had escaped. The castle opened the great hall for those who were injured while every free room in the castle was in use to house those who weren't and more still were housed by those in the city who had the room. Alongside Hunith, Gwen ran the medical centre in the great hall while Rodor and Mithian went to each of their people in turn, bringing them food or drink and ensuring they were alright. Over the following days more Nemethians arrived bringing news of the battle that continued to rage, forcing more to flee their homes. Gwen was at least gratified to hear that although the battle continued, the reports were not against Arthur. A few days after Arthur had left, Sir Leon returned with those who were injured and with a request from The King for supplies.

"It has turned into a siege, My Lady." He informed Gwen once she'd seen that the injured men were taken care of. The Saxons have holed themselves up inside King Rodor's castle."

"Damn Saxons. They'll destroy everything." Rodor swore, he and Mithian being present to hear the report of the battle taking place on their land.

"The King wished me to inform you that he will do all he can to ensure your lands are not too badly damaged." Sir Leon said. "He also offers Emrys' services to rebuild if it comes to that." While Nemeth had its own sorcerers, including those who worked at Rodor's court, Emrys was known to all magic users as the most powerful of them all.

"Merlin must be thrilled about that." Gwen had to chuckle.

"He and The King did start in on each other." Leon admitted with a smile. "It provided some much needed amusement for the men."

"I'm sure it did. What other news do you bring?" Gwen got back on topic.

"Unfortunately not so much news, Your Grace, as a request for supplies. We anticipated a battle, lasting maybe a day or two, not a seize."

"Of course. I shall have Hunith prepare what blankets, food, and medicine we are able to spare. If you have need of anything else do let her know, I fear I know not all that a seize entails."

"Of course, My Lady."

"I will also write our allies. This is their war too, they can provide supplies and men as well."

"I leave at dawn, Your Grace."

"All shall be prepared by then." Gwen and Hunith worked late into the night to ensure that all was ready by morning. Gwen spent the rest of the night writing eight letters, one to each of the seven remaining kingdoms of Albion and one for Arthur, before getting a couple hours of sleep. She was woken early to see Leon and a few more men off.

"Please give this to Arthur." Gwen asked of Leon.

"The King will be most happy to receive it" Leon said. "He has been quite unpleasant since learning he would not return to you as fast as he had hoped."

"While I am sure that is not quite true," Gwen smiled indulgently. "I thank you for saying it all the same."

"Your servant, Your Majesty." Leon said with a smile and a bow as he turned to depart.

"Your Knight is quite familiar with you." Mithian said. "I do not think any of our knights would have dared be so familiar with me. Father would certainly not allow it."

"Well Leon is not just any knight." Gwen said. "He, Sir Percival and Sir Elyan grew up with Arthur. Their fathers were councilmen during Uther's reign so they spent much time here as children, more so when all four began training as knights. When I came to the castle they followed Arthur's lead and brought me into the fold. They treated me like a sister, even though Arthur could not do so, and there was much laughter and joking that we have not allowed to disappear when Arthur and I were crowned King and Queen. I welcome their friendship. You see there?" Gwen pointed to where the Pendragon sigil was carved into stone. "That is a memorial to Sir Elyan. He gave his life saving mine when Morgana first betrayed us. Arthur had it made for his friend instead of merely adding Elyan's name to the long list of lost knights whose names grace the plaque on the wall outside the council chamber. Arthur wanted something else for Elyan for they were truly friends. It was the first time in Camelot's history that a king or prince could call any knight their friend."

"That is very kind of him."

"Elyan was the first man Arthur lost as King. The fact that it was his friend, and one of the First Knights of Camelot, who was lost so soon after his coronation sits heavily with him."

"One of the First Knights?" Mithian was confused for usually there was only one First Knight.

"Yes." Gwen could not help but laugh at the memory. "Camelot's First Knight has always been chosen by his ability to defeat the reigning King in combat. Arthur defeated his father and remained First Knight until Uther's death, but when Arthur was crowned a new First Knight had to be chosen. It just so happened that three men defeated him in combat."

"Sir Elyan, Sir Leon and Sir Percival." Mithian guessed correctly.

"Yes. Having trained together for so long they knew all of Arthur's weaknesses and strengths. It was not an easy win, but win they did. Arthur would not choose between them when all had won the honour, and so he declared them all First Knights of Camelot."

"He is an honourable King. Many would have chosen their favourite, as most kings have one, without any hesitation. He also strives for peace harder than any I have ever seen or heard of."

"He would be humbled to hear you say so." Gwen said as she began to lead the way inside.

"And what of Lord Emrys?" Mithian asked.

"Merlin?"

"Yes. Were he and King Arthur not quite close as children? From what I remember of my visits, Lord Emrys was always following him around. Though I suppose he wasn't known as Emrys then."

"Certainly not. Uther would have had him executed had he known of Merlin's magic."

"I confess I do not remember too much of Lord Emrys beyond noting Arthur was quite fond of him and trusted him above all others."

"Merlin was Arthur's manservant then, it is understandable that a visiting princess does not take much notice of another castle's servants. Though you were quite perceptive to notice as much as you did."

"I'm ashamed I did not notice more." Mithian murmured. "Especially after he saved me from falling down the stairs one time, and from one of Arthur's pranks another time."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. Lord Emrys was quite kind to me, and still I know barely more about him than what has been made public."

"Well, I am certain he would love to make your acquaintance, properly this time, when he and Arthur return."

"I hope you are right. It will be good to see Lord Emrys again. And King Arthur of course." She added a little quickly and Gwen had to hide a knowing smile. It seemed that the Princess of Nemeth had taken a liking to Merlin over the years. Of course she could never admit such, for not only was he not of royal blood and with Mithian the heir to Nemeth she must marry a prince, but he had also once been a manservant; the differences in station would be too much for King Rodor to bear. Besides, Gwen thought, Mithian had not seen Merlin in years and it was entirely possible that she wouldn't like him anymore upon meeting him again. Still there was no harm in a little flirting.

"Well first, you will have to begin calling him Merlin. He may be called Emrys due to him being the prophesized mage, but reminders of his supposed immortality and great power make him quite uncomfortable."

oo00oo00oo

The following weeks were slow as Gwen waited for any word from, or about, Arthur, for her husband rarely wrote himself and she had to make do with a mere mention of him in the reports from Leon, Percival or Merlin that she received every few days. The siege was indeed long, Rodor's castle having been built to withstand just such an event, and when the first snows of winter fell and still the siege held Gwen began to truly worry, especially as her husband, friends, and people were the ones camping in the cold while the Saxons could stay warm in the castle. Both Rodor and Mithian tried to reassure their host, saying that the siege would have to end soon as provisions inside the castle ran out for they had yet to stock up for winter before the attack came, and that undoubtedly Arthur would come away victorious, especially as the missives Gwen had sent to their allies about the Saxon invasion had reached the Kings of Albion who had sent men to aid Arthur. Still, Gwen's worry grew as the snow began to stick to the ground and there was no word of the siege ending. In fact, there was no word at all, and there hadn't been in some time. Usually Gwen could expect a letter to arrive every three days or so, but there had been no word in over a week now. Finally, when Gwen was about ready to set out for Nemeth herself, something none in Camelot would allow her to do, no matter that she was The Queen, did word finally arrive though not in the form of a letter, but rather in the form of one the guards posted as sentry along the road leading to the castle running into the council chambers and informing her that The King and the entire army were less than an hour away.

"If they are all returning it must be over, mustn't it?" She asked, barely believing what she had heard.

"I cannot think of another scenario. Not if it is true that the entire army returns." Rodor said with a smile. Gwen spent the next hour readying the castle for Arthur's return, having rooms prepared for the wounded with people to attend their injuries and Gaius on standby for anything serious, as well as food prepared for all. When the trumpets blared in the courtyard announcing The King's return to the castle as they always did, Gwen ran from the great hall where she was overseeing the set up for the feast and did not stop until she felt her husband's arms wrap around her as she crashed into him.

"Thanks be to God that you are safe." She murmured into his chest where we had buried her head.

"I am glad to be home, but Guinevere what on earth do you think you are doing out here without a cloak?!" He growled taking his own off and draping it over her shoulders. "It is too cold to be out here in your thin dress, especially in your condition!" He chastised.

"After a month away the first thing out of your mouth is to chastise me?" Gwen said, her eyes narrowing.

"When you are out in the bitter cold without a cloak while carrying my child, then yes." He said as he led her back inside, Merlin and his Knights following close behind them. When they entered the great hall Arthur looked for the nearest servant to begin giving orders to take care of the men who had just returned, only to see that things were already well in hand.

"You did all of this in one hour?" Arthur asked his wife sounding quite impressed.

"Don't be so surprised." Gwen replied as she handed him back his cloak. "I was raised to be Queen of Camelot and chatelaine of this castle was I not?"

"Indeed you were." He agreed feeling a weight lift off his shoulders knowing that he could go relax and his men would still be taken care of.

"Now come, husband." Gwen took one of his hands. "I have a bath prepared for you and shall attend you myself. You have been away for far too long."

"As My Lady commands." Arthur replied with a smile as the two left the great hall in favour of their chambers.

oo00oo00oo

There was great joy in Camelot in the week following Arthur's return, and not least of all because they brought news that the Saxon army had been diminished, many Saxons having died, though many more had escaped. However, the news that brought both the most joy and fear was the news that Morgause was dead. With her gone they'd defeated a powerful enemy, though had apparently created an even more powerful one in Morgana who had not taken her sister's death kindly.

"It is only because of Merlin that we survived her attack." Arthur had told Gwen the very night he had returned. "She was so angry, so vengeful, and it lent a great deal of strength to her magic. Merlin was the only one powerful enough to stand up to her."

"Then it is a good thing we have the great Emrys on our side, isn't it?" She said, only half joking. However, Merlin's confidence in his abilities were not as great as Gwen's, as they discovered.

"I want to go to the Lake of Avalon." The warlock announced at breakfast one morning the week following the siege.

"But its winter and isn't the lake in the heart of the White Mountains?" Arthur complained.

"Why do you want to go there, Merlin?" Mithian asked, her and her father joining Arthur, Gwen, and Melin for breakfast. It had been decided that they, and the people of Nemeth, would remain in Camelot for the winter. The Saxons had destroyed much during the march to Camelot, including a good portion of the castle, and most of the stores and crops. It would be a very harsh winter indeed should those who had sought refuge in Camelot if they returned home now and so Arthur and Gwen had offered them a place to stay for the winter. Rodor had agreed for the sake of his people, but only under the condition that he send men to retrieve those stores of food and resources that the Saxons hadn't touched so he and his people wouldn't be quite as big a burden. Arthur had said it wasn't necessary but still graciously accepted the supplies knowing Rodor's pride could demand no less.

"I want to go see The Lady of the Lake." Merlin answered, smiling at Nemeth's Princess. Since Gwen had subtly encouraged Mithian into flirting with Merlin upon his return a week ago the young princess had not stopped, and Merlin too had joined in. Their flirtation was not blatant nor in any manner inappropriate, in fact it was so subtle Gwen didn't think either Rodor or Arthur saw it, but it was enough for Gwen to know that whatever feelings Mithian had developed for Merlin all those years ago had not vanished, and she only hoped that they did not develop further into something the future Queen of Nemeth could not act upon.

"Who is this Lady of the Lake?" Arthur asked.

"She is a powerful sorceress, quite possibly the most powerful sorceress to ever exist."

"But is that not you? I thought the ancient prophecies said that Emrys, you, were to be the most powerful." Mithian said.

" 'To be' being the operative words, and only if the prophecies are true." Merlin explained. "Not even I can deny that my power is great, but it is practically nothing compared to The Lady's power. She is also a seer, much like Kilgharrah, though her visions are said to be absolute. Kilgharrah sees possible futures, and often only glimpses or blurred images, but it is said that The Lady sees the future as clearly as she sees the present."

"And you want her to tell you of the future?" Gwen asked.

"I want to ask for her help. No doubt Morgana will as well, especially now with Morgause gone she will be looking for another magical ally, and the one who gains the aid of The Lady of the Lake has almost certainly won the war."

"Well why didn't you say so before?" Arthur exclaimed. "If gaining her assistance means winning this war and bringing peace then I will fall to my knees and beg if I have to!"

"It might not be that simple." Merlin cautioned. "The Lady is an ancient being who has lived on the Isle of the Blessed as far back as anyone can remember. However, when Uther outlawed magic she banished herself to the bottom of Avalon's lake, which in the White Mountains is within Camelot's borders, and swore to not return until magic was once again welcome in Camelot, in her home."

"She must hate me then." Arthur muttered.

"I would never presume to tell you what The Lady thinks, I merely warn you that she may not be receptive to a Pendragon. That being said, she is very wise and will know you returned magic to Camelot."

"Right. Well, we'll leave at dawn tomorrow." Arthur said with sigh. "Won't be the first time I've rushed into a place where my welcome isn't certain."

oo00oo00oo

"Arthur I want to come with you." Gwen said the next morning as she joined her husband and Merlin in the courtyard where they prepared for their journey.

"Out of the question." Came his immediate, and expected, reply. "It is the middle of winter, we are going high into the mountains where it is even colder, we don't know how long we will be gone, and you should not be travelling in your condition."

"Firstly, winter has only just started, we are not in the middle of it, Yuletide is still a month away." She countered. "Secondly the cold does not bother me, and third I am not that far along, Arthur, I am barely showing."

"Regardless, no."

"Please." She asked sincerely. "Have I ever asked to join you on one of your adventures? I know most of the time I would only get in the way, but we are staying within Camelot's borders and travelling to meet a sorceress, not fight an army." Arthur paused in ensuring his saddlebags were attached properly and looked to his wife, seeing a hint of desperation in her eyes.

"What is it, sweetheart?" He murmured, cupping her face between his hands. "Why do you wish to come so desperately?"

"I'm not entirely sure." She admitted. "This is our future you are hoping to learn about, Arthur. Ours. And with everything going on, the war, Morgana, our child…my instincts tell me I need to be there." Arthur sighed unsure what to do. Gwen had never been one to tag along or make demands in regards to matters such as these, and the fact that she was sincerely asking made him want to agree, though he knew he could not, for although she may be right, the journey would be a difficult one and he would not put her or their unborn child at risk.

"Perhaps I can take you to see The Lady in the spring, when the snow's melted and our child is born." He said, hoping to compromise.

"Arthur-"

"Is the only reason you deny her because of the journey?" Merlin asked from where he'd been seemingly minding his own business though in truth was listening intently.

"Yes…" Arthur said hesitantly.

"What if I could have us there and back in a day and there was no hard riding?"

"Do I want to know how you'd accomplish that?"

"Follow me and find out." They did just that after Arthur sent for another cloak, a hat and gloves for Gwen, determined to keep her warm. They arrived at the clearing where Merlin had previously summoned the dragon, and before Arthur could convince himself that there was no way he would summon a dragon again, he was proved wrong.

"Dragon! Imala! Sungente gumenta! Keshophanekes, Aithusa!" The Dragonlord called to the sky, summoning his soul brother, or in this case, sister. The white dragon that had not long ago terrorized Camelot appeared but a few minutes later, bowing her head to Merlin with what Arthur could have sworn was a smile.

"Aithusa wouldn't mind giving us a lift." Merlin said after he silently conversed with the dragon through their shared soul. Neither Arthur nor Gwen fought it and came forward at Merlin's beckoning to mount the dragon, Arthur settling himself behind Gwen and ensuring he had a good grip on her. With Aithusa's great wings taking them at a much faster and much more direct route to the mountains it was not long at all before they touched down at the Lake of Avalon, on the Isle of the Blessed.

"Do you intend to make a habit of this, young warlock?" A voice said and the three humans turned to see The Great Dragon sitting calmly off to the side. "A dragon is not a horse, we are not meant to be ridden or used as pack mules."

"It is my fault I am afraid." Gwen spoke up refusing to allow Merlin to take the blame. "I asked to come and Merlin felt this was the only way Arthur would let me."

"Besides, Aithusa doesn't mind the odd request for a lift, and I did give her a choice, it was not an order." Merlin added. "And no, I won't be making a habit of it."

"Aithusa feels indebted to you for sparing her all those months ago. There is little she would not do if you asked." Merlin ignored Kilgharrah for the moment and turned to Aithusa, speaking to her once again before turning back to the other dragon.

"She does not deny that, but she also knows she has a choice." He reported for although Aithusa and Kilgharrah could understand each other, when a Dragonlord spoke directly into the soul of a dragon their words were for that dragon's ears only. "She's my friend, she knows I would help in any way I can should she ask, as I hope you do as well."

"Hmm." Kilgharrah hummed noncommittally though he certainly didn't deny Merlin's statement. "Just know you will not be 'getting a lift' from me unless under the most direst of circumstances."

"I consider myself warned." Merlin said trying not to laugh and managing an ill-concealed smile. Kilgharrah said nothing else and so Merlin motioned for Gwen and Arthur to follow him to the lake's edge.

"Now what?" Arthur asked.

"Now I find a way to ask The Lady for an audience. I'm just not entirely sure how…" Merlin admitted.

"That will not be necessary." A voice spoke, seeming to come from every direction. The three looked around for the source of the voice and found their eyes drawn to a light emanating from below the water's surface. As the light grew brighter the water began to bubble and ripple until a small ball of light pierced the surface. It hovered there for a few moments before shinning brightly and expanding to form the shape of the woman who continued to emit a soft glow. "I have been expecting you, Emrys."

"My Lady." Merlin said with a short bow. "No doubt you know why we are here."

"Indeed. But will you not introduce me to your friends first?"

"Of course, forgive me. My Lady, this is King Arthur, and Queen Guinevere of Camelot."

"The Once and Future King." The Lady murmured.

"Dear Lady." Arthur spoke. "I must apologize for all you have suffered under my father's-" The Lady of the Lake held up her hand to silence him.

"You are not your father, Arthur Pendragon. You have proved that time and time again even before taking the throne. You owe me no apology." She said softly before turning to Gwen. "I am glad to see both you and your husband heeded your instincts, Guinevere Pendragon."

"How did you…?" Gwen asked, confused.

"I admit the feeling you had was my doing. I wished you would come as well, though would not force the issue, and so hoped a little push would do the trick."

"But why did you want me to come?"

"I wished to meet The Once and Future Queen." The Lady smiled at the incredulous and shocked looks she received.

"But the ancient prophecies only speak of The Once and Future King. There is no Queen mentioned." Gwen protested.

"That is true." The Lady agreed. "The ancient prophecies speak of a king who's reign would bring about an age of such peace that when the land was in need of it again he would rise up once more and lead the land into another Golden Age. However, not all prophecies are absolute, nor is the power of the seer who makes them. The ancient one who first spoke of The Once and Future King did not foresee that another would be crucial in bringing about this peace, but the future is now clear. When peace reigns it will not just be by Arthur's doing, and when he rises up again, you will stand by his side, the two of you together, The Once and Future King and Queen." No one spoke for some time as they tried to come to grips with what The Lady had said but eventually Arthur broke the silence.

"I told you we would be equals." He said to Gwen, grasping her hand in his. "Did I not say you would never just be an ornament on my arm, but my equal on the throne?"

"Just don't let being right to your head." She murmured back.

"Alright, well now that that's covered." Merlin interrupted, though he was smiling broadly, while turning back to The Lady. "We wished to ask for your help."

"I know what it is you seek, Emrys." She replied. "And I will tell you the same thing I told the two before you."

"Morgana's been here." It was not a question.

"Yes. She and Mordred also sought my aid."

"And what did you tell them?" Arthur asked.

"That my allegiance has always been, and will always be, with The True King of all Britain."

"Then the legends are true." Gwen said.

"Oh yes." The Lady concurred. "I have awaited The High King's arrival for over a thousand years. And his time is near at hand."

"Arthur." Merlin said with certainty. "The High King of legend is Arthur. He is The Once and Future King after all." However, The Lady of the Lake shook her head.

"They are not necessarily one in the same, Emrys. The Once and Future King and Queen will lead their kingdom into an era of peace both now, and in the future when they are needed once again. However, even I do not know if their kingdom will be merely Camelot, or all of Britain. That remains to be seen."

"What can you tell us?" Gwen asked.

"I can tell you that it will not be much longer before The High King is revealed to all. His coming, whoever he may be, is clear to see. The Sword in the Stone will reveal itself finally and upon the one who pulls the sword out will I bestow my magic."

"In what way?" Asked Merlin.

"The sword, Emrys." She replied. "I shall bestow upon The High King Excalibur, a sword with great power forged in the fire of our friend here." She motioned to Kilgharrah who bowed his head to her. "A sword forged in a dragon's breath possesses great power, more so when my magic is added to it. It can be used as a tool to build and protect, or as a weapon to destroy, its power has no equal."

"We will do all we can then to help the one who pulls the sword from the stone and see that it does not fall into the wrong hands." Arthur swore.

"Excalibur will not be the sword pulled from the stone. Due to its power I will see it only in the hands of The High King and never in another's. No doubt the ancient Sword in the Stone will be a mighty weapon, but Excalibur is not merely one sword, but every sword." She received confused looks and so elaborated. "The magic of Excalibur shall be bestowed upon The High King himself, not upon a weapon, for any sword in the hand of The High King is Excalibur."

"I see." Arthur said. "Well the sentiment stands." He looked up at The Lady, quite determined in the decision he had just made. "When The High King is revealed we will do all we can to protect him and aid him in his endeavour of uniting Britain."

"Even if it means losing your kingship?" The Lady asked. "The High King will unite Britain into one. The nine kingdoms will be no more, but rather will be united as one kingdom, under one king."

"Yes, even then." Arthur said without hesitation and The Lady smiled, a knowing look in her eyes.


A/N - I know Morgause didn't play nearly as big a role here as she did in the series, but like Uther she's served her purpose in this story.