Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter 12 – The Sword in The Stone
News of Camelot's new Knights spread quickly throughout the ranks and the six quickly learned that there was more to being a knight then fighting alongside The King wearing his golden dragon sigil on their new red capes. With the new title came a great deal of responsibility and the other men who they had stood beside on the battlefield the day before now looked to them for leadership. Thankfully Camelot's First Knights did not leave them alone as they became accustomed to their new role but took them under their wing and guided them as best they could. Lancelot healed quickly with a few strengthening potions from the physicians. As Merlin's magic had healed the wound he was lucky to skip that step and so merely had to regain his strength without the added pressure of his body healing as well. After the Saxons' attack the previous evening they knew they were close enough to not move camp and so settled in instead, posting more guards to watch for another attack. None came the following day or night allowing time to strategize. Their second day at Badon Hill brought with it an emissary from Mordred, giving the time and place of the battle the following day and promising a full out attack should they not accept.
"Treachery is the way the Saxons." King Bayard said as the monarchs convened to discuss what was essentially a summons. "They will not honour this missive. No doubt they hoping to lull us into a false sense of security by naming the time and place only to try and catch us unawares this evening or early tomorrow morning."
"I agree with Bayard." Said Cenred. "Neither Mordred nor Morgana are honourable enough to tell us their plan and stick to it."
"We will double the watch this evening." Suggested Godwyn. "We will not allow them to catch us unawares."
"There are still so many men here that it would be only too easy for a few Saxons to slip in." Argued Odin. "And once a few get in more can as well, or they can take out the watch and we'd never know their full army approaches."
"Is there not any magical means we can take to prevent that?" Alined demanded, looking to their magical advisors.
"We can offer a warning, Your Majesties." Merlin answered from where he'd been conversing with the other Court Mages. As Emrys, he was their unofficial spokesman, the others offering input, though tending to follow his lead.
"In what way?" Arthur asked. "Can you stop them from entering the camp?" Merlin shook his head.
"No. Even creating such a barrier, at the size required, would use up a great deal of our magic, let alone maintaining it all night."
"So then what help can you be?" Alined snapped.
"As I said we can offer a warning. We can use our magic to create a perimeter around the camp that will give a very loud warning should anyone cross it. We'd have to warn the men not to cross it though, it will not distinguish between ally and enemy."
"At least we will have a warning." Annis said. "It will offer us enough time to gather arms should there be an attack. And it will allow us all to sleep tonight. Our men can rest easy knowing they will not be killed in their beds by a sneak attack for they will be awoken long before then." It was agreed then that was the best solution they could come up with and so Merlin led the other sorcerers outside and told them to spread out and cast the perimeter two hundred yards outside the camp. When that was done Merlin went to find Arthur who had taken a seat around the fire with his friends and Camelot's newest Knights.
"Merlin, come join us!" The King called when he spotted him. Everyone shuffled down to make room for Merlin who happily accepted a bowl of stew. "We were just learning more about our new friends' lives and families."
"We got as far as Lancelot and Gwaine having none." Leon said.
"Yes, neither families nor lives to speak of." Percival added with a smirk.
"And you yourself have a vivacious and exorbitant social life do you Percival?' Merlin asked. "Between trying to beat Arthur and Leon in training and drowning your sorrows at the tavern when you fail?"
"It's been awhile since I've seen you on the training fields, Merlin." Percival retorted with narrowed eyes. "You always did make a good practice dummy."
"I notice you're not denying you haven't beaten them in awhile." Percival threw a piece of bread at Merlin's head which the sorcerer caught and smilingly took a bite before thanking the First Knight. Percival looked like he wanted nothing more than to retort further though Arthur put a stop to it.
"Enough, both of you."
"Yes, Percival, don't sink to Arthur's level." Leon said with a sideways glance at his King. "He and Merlin are bad enough, we don't need to make it you and Merlin as well."
"That's enough out of you too." Arthur growled at his other First Knight.
"Is it always like this?" Galahad asked, he and the others quite shocked at the familiarity between the four men, especially given one was The King.
"Quite." Merlin admitted readily. "It is really only Gwen who has a chance of reining us in actually."
"Gwen?" Lancelot asked confused.
"Queen Guinevere." Leon clarified, only deepening the shock the others felt.
"You're that informal with Her Majesty?"
"Only when appropriate." Arthur explained, sending a look to Merlin. "Which, were you not Knights of Camelot, it would not be."
"But they are Knights of Camelot." Merlin defended. Although it was undeniable that Percival and Leon were great friends of The King's the other Knights were certainly considered friends and used to the informality and familiarity the First Knights and Merlin shared with The King and Queen; as Knights themselves now these six would have to get used to it too.
"We all grew up together." Arthur continued. "Merlin and I have known each other for longer than we can remember, having been born within months of each other. Leon and Percival spent much time at the castle as their fathers' were Councilmen and we began training together as knights as children, and Guinevere came to the castle when she was not quite five years old."
"You all sound quite close." Gwaine commented.
"We are, you will get used to it. And you may even join us when you meet The Queen." Said Percival. "She has this way about her that puts people at ease instantly. With but a smile your day brightens, and her kindness and generosity inspires loyalty in all she meets."
"Careful, Percival, or I may think you are in love with my wife."
"I think all of Camelot is in love with your wife, Sire." Leon imputed. "She is a wonderful and gracious Queen, there is no better."
"Quite right. But enough of that, I believe Galahad and Tristan were next." Arthur changed the subject.
"No family here either, Sire, save each other. Not anymore at least. Our parents were killed when the Saxons attacked our home." Said Galahad.
"We've been farmers all our lives. Our parents and their parents as well." Tristan added. "We had never known another life. It was difficult moving to the city, having nothing and no way to make a living."
"But you did, make a living that is?" Merlin asked.
"Only thanks to Lancelot and Gwaine. They found us living on the streets and convinced us to enlist when they learned that we could handle a sword." Galahad continued. "We were the only protection on our farm so we taught ourselves to fight. Gwaine and Lancelot enhanced what we'd already learned, as did the army, and the income was enough to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table."
"It used to not even be enough for that." Arthur admitted. "My father paid his soldiers a pittance at best, and drafted them left, right and centre. It was one of my first actions as King to improve the conditions of those risking their lives for Camelot."
"You've done much good since taking the throne that the people never thought would happen." Said Bors. "We are indebted to you, Your Grace."
"And what of you and Dagonet?" Arthur asked, nodding in acknowledgement of Bors' words but saying nothing. "Any family?"
"Wife and children for us both, Sire."
"Well, wife and child for me." Dagonet said with a laugh. "Bors here has…you know I don't even remember. What was it at last count, Bors?"
"Eight." He grunted.
"You mean nine don't you?" Dagonet teased. "Is Vanora not again with child?"
"Nine children?!" Merlin gasped, though the others looked quite surprised as well.
"Aye." He grunted again. "Hoping for another girl this time actually. Got six sons already." No one knew what to say save Merlin, who turned to Arthur.
"Well there's a goal for you and Gwen. Six princes for the kingdom."
"Yes we'll get right on that, Merlin." The King responded sarcastically. "Once I can sleep through the night again." He added quietly, though the others still heard him.
"I hate to be the one to tell you, Sire, but that is never going to happen." Said Bors matter-of-factly. "I haven't slept proper since the first one was born twelve years ago."
"Your oldest is twelve years old? But you can't be that much older than us." Leon said.
"I'm eight and twenty." He answered. "Was only sixteen when Vanora got pregnant that first time."
"That and when you were forced to marry the wench." Dagonet added with a laugh. "As Bors tells it he got a bit carried away while sowing his oats as a lad. When Vanora named him her babe's father, her father promised to run Bors through if he didn't do right by his daughter."
"Best decision I've ever let myself be forced into." Bors said, smiling fondly at the thought of his wife and children.
"I should like to meet your wife and children one day." Arthur said. "Both of yours." He added, directing his words to Dagonet.
"Besides, with all those children there must be one who's around William's age. When he gets a bit older it would do well for him to have a companion his own age."
"Like I was for you." Said Merlin. "Just think, William and one of Bors' sons could be just like me and you one day."
"Not possible I'm afraid. No one is as annoying as you, Merlin."
"I'm wounded, truly, I don't know how I'll recover."
"Well you can think on it as you help me out of my armour." Arthur said as he stood, the others standing as well out of respect when their King did, all except Merlin of course.
"You do know I'm not your manservant anymore right?"
"Yes, but you shall be acting the part tonight."
"What happened to George? I thought he was the most efficient servant to ever exist."
"Yes, but I would never subject George and his delicate sensibilities to war."
"Oh but you have no problem subjecting me to it?"
"You have no delicate sensibilities, Merlin. In fact, you have no sensibilities at all, delicate or otherwise. So come on. Let us see if a year without doing any real work has made you forget everything. And if it has rest assured that George can re-teach you when we return to the castle." Arthur bade his Knights goodnight and made for his tent.
"No real work?" Merlin gasped indignantly, still not having moved from his spot.
"Should you not get going, Merlin?" Percival asked as he and the others tried not to laugh.
"Forget about my memory what about his? It's as if he doesn't remember I've been following him around the kingdom, fighting an evil sorceress, finding out I'm The Last Dragonlord and protecting Camelot as our illustrious King demands of me." Merlin continued to rant. "Well he can just wait until I'm good and ready to see to him. That's if I feel like it." Merlin settled back getting more comfortable as he took another bite of his stew, only to fall backwards off the log that was his chair when Arthur's loud voice took him by surprise.
"MERLIN!"
oo00oo00oo
The following morning dawned bright and far too early for most. Although they had Merlin's assurance that nothing could enter the camp without them knowing many had still slept little, too on edge to truly sleep. No alarm had sounded throughout the night and so either no surprise attack had been planned, or they had discovered the warning spell and had decided against it without being able to surprise their enemies. This put everyone even more on edge for they knew that the Saxons and Morgana were not an honourable bunch, and so if not a surprise attack in the night they wondered what they had planned. Still, even though they suspected treachery the monarchs leading their men into battle had them roused and ready to go not long after the sun was up, while those unable to fight had given strict orders to obey the other monarchs. Once all were ready, Annis, Rodor and Alined bit them goodbye as Arthur, Cenred, Odin, Bayard and Godwyn rode at the front of the combined armies and led their men into battle. It did not take long to reach the site that had been named for the battle though the site before them brought them up short. There was no one. Neither Morgana or Mordred, nor one single man graced the field that lay before them.
"Where are they?" Arthur asked no on in particular.
"I cannot see them running scared." Said Cenred.
"Most assuredly not." Godwyn agreed.
"Look!" Odin cried, pointing to the top of Badon Hill where a lone figure had appeared.
"Morgana." Merlin breathed, having ridden up next to Arthur when they had stopped marching. They watched in silence as Morgana raised her arms and shouted some words. Immediately the sky went dark and a terrifying scream reverberated from all around them.
"Merlin what's happening?"
"I don't know." He admitted, looking around for any signs of Morgana's magic, save the darkened sky.
"Well can you find out?!" Arthur demanded.
"Working on it." Another scream was heard, this time followed by white smoke manifesting. Merlin, the monarchs, and the entire army watch as it took on the shape of a skeleton and surged forward, passing through the nearest soldier before letting out another shriek and disappearing. Arthur was off his horse and halfway to the soldier before the man had even hit the ground. When he reached him it was to find the man's face frozen in one of terror while the rest of his body was simply frozen, his skin having turned rock hard and ice crystals having formed.
"He's dead." Arthur said unnecessarily. He attempted to close the man's eyes but they were frozen open. This lack of respect for the dead was the final straw for Arthur. When he stood his own face had morphed, though into one of pure fury. "Merlin!" he growled.
"It's the Dorocha." The mage said, his fearful tone of voice doing nothing to alleviate anyone's worries, nor did the scream that again sounded throughout the field.
"And?"
"They are known as The Shadow People. They're the voices of the dead that can enter our world at night."
"Explaining why Morgana turned day into night." Bayard surmised.
"They cannot survive under the sun's rays, nor against fire, it's their only weakness." Another scream was heard and three more Dorocha appeared and passed through soldiers before anything else could be said.
"Light the torches, the arrows!" Arthur shouted the command, it being passed along through the army by the other monarchs and every man who heard it. "Fire is their weakness, use it to protect yourselves! Until we figure out how to defeat them for good." He added to Merlin, hoping his Court Mage had a plan.
"We can't defeat them." He said the words Arthur did not want to hear. "But we can return them to the Spirit World." He added before Arthur could get up in arms and shout at him. "For them to pass through, the Veil between our world and theirs has to have been opened. I can close it, but not until Morgana is defeated or at least greatly weakened so that she may no longer use her magic to keep the Veil opened."
"And if any remain in our world once this Veil is closed?" Odin wondered.
"The Dorocha return to the Spirit World when fire or sunlight touches them. They will continue to return to our world as long as the Veil is open, but they cannot once it is closed."
"So we close the Veil and then return any Dorocha that remain to the Spirit World." The plan seemed simple, though it never was. More screams were heard as Dorocha appeared. Some were lucky and were able to defend themselves with fire, while others did not succeed. One Dorocha appeared before Arthur and came his way though Merlin pushed him aside and raised his hand to send a fireball at the Dorocha; however, nothing happened, and the Dorocha passed through him.
"Merlin!" Arthur cried seeing his friend fall. He ran to his side fearing he worst, having seen what happened to the others. "Merlin don't you dare be dead." The King both begged and threatened.
"I-I-I'm n-not." He said, his teeth chattering, for although he was not dead, he cold certainly affected him. Arthur let out a bark of laughter as he clapped his friend on the shoulder.
"The Immortal Mage." Cenred murmured, he and the others a bit in awe for it surely would have killed anyone else.
"M-my m-magic didn't w-work."
"We can see that. But why?" Arthur asked has he held a torch close to Merlin, allowing it to warm him.
"I d-don't know."
"This isn't working, Sire." Percival said as he, Leon and the newest Knights rushed over. "There are too many of them and not enough fire to go around." More screams were heard as they, and the appearance of the Dorocha became more frequent. When he heard Leon's words, Merlin pushed himself into a sitting position.
"Careful!" Arthur chastised.
"I c-can help."
"Didn't we just establish your magic isn't working right now?"
"There's o-one bit of magic t-that will n-never fail me." Merlin closed his eyes for a moment and gathered all his strength about him. A roar built up in him and he looked to the sky as he once again called on his birthright. "Dragon! Imala! Sungente gumenta! Keshophanekes!" Silence followed his call, not even the Dorocha appeared. Arthur, Leon, and Percival all knew what was coming and looked to the sky alongside Merlin. Although the others knew of Merlin's birthright as The Last Dragonlord, none alive save those three and Gwen had even witnessed this power. After a minute or two when nothing happened, the screams of the Dorocha were heard again. However, their screams also masked the sound of wings flapping, and when the Dorocha again appeared they were met with dragon fire. Both Kilgharrah and Aithusa had answered the Dragonlord's call. Having thought dragons to be extinct, the reaction throughout the army was quite strong, though not unwelcoming as each dragon took up positions on either end of the army, taking out the Dorocha the moment they appeared. Kilgharrah had landed near Merlin and with a quick word saw everyone backing away from the warlock. The Great Dragon breathed deep and unleashed his hot breath upon the Dragonlord. Merlin felt his weakness fade and his body thaw under the dragon's heat.
"Thank you." He said as he stood, his strength now returned to him.
"You are welcome, young warlock."
"He talked." Godwyn muttered. "The dragon talked."
"That is Kilgharrah, The Great Dragon." Leon explained as if nothing else need be said.
"I don't have any magic." Merlin said frantically to Arthur, working himself into a panic. "My magic isn't working, I can't defeat Morgana, or close the Veil."
"Calm yourself, young warlock." Kilgharrah said.
"Calm myself? Did you not hear that I have no magic?!"
"You always have magic Merlin, it is as much a part of you as your life's blood, it cannot be taken from you so long as you live."
"But-"
"The Veil to the Spirit World requires much magic to keep it open and will use the magic of any being around to do so, not just the magic of the one who opened it." The Great Dragon explained. "The Veil has been channelling your magic without you even knowing it, but you can stop it, Merlin, you can stop the flow of magic from yourself to the Veil. When you do so you will be able to use your magic again, and the witch will find it hard to keep the Veil open without your help."
"And that should be enough time to lift her spell, to bring daylight back, and when the sun shines again the Dorocha will have to return to the Spirit World, they cannot survive in sunlight." Kilgharrah nodded his head, glad that Merlin had worked it out for himself.
"I hate to ask for your help once again…"
"But you have it. I said I would help you where I could, so long as it is not beneath a dragon's dignity." He reminded Merlin of his penchant for riding dragons like horses. A scream sounded nearby as another Dorocha appeared, though Kilgharrah breathed but a tiny ball of flame and saw it disappear. "Do what you must, young warlock. I will protect your friends until you are once again able to do so yourself."
"Thank you." Merlin said once more before taking off at a run to stand at the base of the hill and stare up at Morgana. He knew no attack would come from her, not while she used all her magic to keep the Veil open, and knowing also that the Dorocha were not fatal to him, Merlin felt quite comfortable closing his eyes and searching inside himself for the leak in his magic the Veil had created. It did not take long to find and he was quick to seal the leak and reclaim his magic. His eyes opened, glowing gold, in time to see Morgana stumble under the pressure of keeping the Veil open by herself, though he himself wasted no time but spoke the words that would see the return of the sun. It was not a gradual return but a rather sudden one, a blinding light emanated from Merlin and flew into the sky, the screams of the Dorocha instantly stopped as the light blasted outward covering the sky as far as the eye could see and destroying Morgana's false night. With the Dorocha returned to the Spirit World, Merlin hastened to cast his magic once more, overpowering Morgana's and sealing the Veil shut, hopefully for good. He then once again turned his sights on Morgana who was staring at him with a mixture of fear and pure loathing.
"You cannot win, Morgana." He called to her as he began to ascend the hill. He was not even halfway up when he noticed movement in the corner of his eye and turned to see the Saxon army move on the attack. They had been there the entire time, hiding just around the hill, waiting for Morgana's scheme to succeed or fail. The disappearance of the Dorocha was clearly the signal to attack, and they ran at full speed towards the army of Albion. Kilgharrah and Aithusa took to the sky, swooping low over the Saxons and unleashing their fire as they flew to the top of the cliffs a ways away; they had given their help, more so by taking out some Saxons as they took their leave, but this was not their battle. Merlin paid enough attention to see that they landed on top of the cliffs, still visible though outside of the battlefield, as if they were waiting for something, before he turned his attention back to Morgana.
"We meet again, Emrys." She had regained enough strength to stand by the time Merlin had reached the top of the hill, though it was clear she was still weak.
"You speak as if we are mere acquaintances. We grew up together, Morgana. You were my friend, my sister even, until you betrayed us." This was the first chance he'd truly had to speak with her since her betrayal those months ago. They'd spoken a few words on the battlefield before, but Merlin was intent on actually getting some answers from her this time.
"Camelot is my birthright! It is my kingdom and I will not see the son of Uther destroy it!"
"You see Uther in Arthur when he is not there. Arthur is nothing like Uther, you yourself have admitted this many times. And how do you figure Camelot is your birthright? Even if you are of Uther's blood, you are neither the first-born, nor a boy, nor legitimate. The throne of Camelot is Arthur's birthright. It passes to a son before a daughter and not only is Arthur that son but he is older than you, and he was born to Uther's wife, not someone he had a dalliance with." Merlin's voice was hard and unforgiving, though he softened it now as he begged Morgana to explain her actions to him. "What happened, Morgana? You are speaking words that until not even a year ago would never have left your mouth, let alone entered your head. Where is this thinking coming from? Why does it make sense to you?"
"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you!" She sneered and thrust her hand forward, knocking him back though he was quick to recover.
"Then you leave me no choice." He murmured sadly. Raising his arms, Merlin began casting his magic. The wind picked up and grew stronger and stronger until a twister had formed, heading right for Morgana. The sorceress tried to stop him, but her magic was still weak from maintaining the Veil and the twister blew right through her meagre shield, sending her flying down the hill. She landed hard on the ground, crumpled in a heap with blood trickling down her forehead, completely still. Merlin nearly shed a tear for his lost friend but the sounds of battle stopped him; Morgana had brought his war down on Albion, she was responsible for the deaths of many. Turning now to the battle that was making its way up the hill as the armies fought, Merlin searched for Arthur, quickly locating him halfway up the hill, surrounded by Saxons. Merlin did not think. He raised his hand and once again the sky darkened, though this time not by an unnatural night, but as storm clouds blew in. When he'd harnessed enough of the storm, Merlin threw his hand in the direction of the Saxons that had his King surrounded and unleashed a chain of lightning. The fist blast saw the Saxons Arthur was fighting fall, the second and third blasts saw the larger groups of Saxons meet their end as well. Having used a great deal of magic in a short period of time, Merlin let his magic fade and the storm clouds withdrew. When they were gone and the sun was once more shining, Merlin noticed that that entire battle had stopped and a hush had fallen over both armies. All eyes were directed at Merlin, or, he supposed, at something behind him for Arthur's eyes did not meet his but appeared to be looking over his shoulder. Merlin turned and saw a sight that had not been there moments before. At the very top of Badon Hill, stood a large stone with a golden hilted sword that glittered in the sun sticking out of it. The Sword in The Stone was known to all of Britain as part of the legend of The High King. Seeing with their own eyes the proof of the legend, it was not surprising that the battle had stopped; if The Sword in The Stone had appeared, The High King would be revealed, just as The Lady of the Lake had predicted. Suddenly, movement caught Merlin's eye and he saw Mordred break away from his men and dash up the hill, intent on reaching the sword. Arthur instinctively ran after him though he was too late. Mordred's head start had given him enough time to reach the top of the hill and grasp the sword in both hands, pulling with all his might. However, the sword did not budge, a fact that brought relief to all of Albion as they saw that without a doubt, Mordred was not The High King.
"It's over Mordred!" Arthur yelled. "The stone does not yield the sword to you. You are not The High King of legend and you will never rule over Britain!" Mordred's face took on an ugly sneer in his anger at the truth of Arthur's words.
"If I cannot be The High King, then no one can!" Raising his own sword, Mordred charged at Arthur who raised his in enough time to parry the blow. The two fought hard, unaware that the battle had not resumed nor that the other Kings of Albion had approached, intent on trying to remove the sword now that Mordred had failed. Eventually Mordred was able to land a lucky blow to Arthur's arm, causing Camelot's King to cry out in pain, while the few seconds the blow had distracted Arthur for was enough for the Saxon King to disarm his opponent.
"It's over for you, Arthur Pendragon!" Mordred spat triumphantly as he raised his arm to deal the fatal blow. Merlin too raised his arm, though to defend his King, but it proved unnecessary. Acting on pure instinct, Arthur spun quickly to avoid the blow and reached for the nearest weapon. Vaguely aware of the pulse of light around him, Arthur used his momentum and swung the sword, bringing it forward and impaling Mordred. The Saxon King's mouth dropped open and his eyes showed surprise, but there was no time for anything else as he fell to the ground, feeling his life leave him. Arthur did nothing for a moment but stare at his fallen enemy. Eventually though, he turned his mind to the battle he thought still going and looked out over the field, only to be met with every single pair of eyes on him, all filled with awe. Wondering what the hell was going on Arthur followed a time-tested practice and turned to Merlin for answers. Although he looked tired, Merlin radiated pure joy as he stared on his friend and slowly sank to his knees.
"I knew it was you." He murmured.
"Knew what, Merlin?" He received his answer, though indirectly, as the Kings of Albion too sank to their knees, closely followed by every man on the field, even the Saxons. Arthur looked to them confused for a moment before looking down at the sword in his hand. He had never seen a more beautiful weapon, nor one that was so perfectly suited to him. Knowing that it was not his own weapon he had grabbed and that none of the swords anyone else was using could even come close to comparing, Arthur turned and looked to the stone of legend. It now stood alone, the sword that moments ago had been stuck deep was gone. Looking to the sword he held once again the realization of what this meant caught up to him.
"Long live The High King!" The cry was heard by every man and in every corner of the field, and their responding cheer drew Arthur's attention back to the kneeling people before him.
"Long live The High King!"
A/N - Yes, it was Arthur who pulled the sword from the stone and claimed Excalibur, I was never going to venture so far from the legends so as to change that. Back to Camelot next chapter!
