A/N: I've put off writing this chapter because it is the last one I had to write. The thirtieth is finished, as is the epilogue (though partly only in my head as till now), though I will need a bit more time to make last-minute adjustments.
Still, procrastinating is nonsense, I think, and one day all stories have to come to an end.
Chapter 29 – Guinevere Pendragon
I took a deep breath and entered the tent. The Queen had her back to me and noticed my presence only when I coughed. Even though it wasn't a very loud sound, she jumped.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, your Majesty", I said and made a bow (even though I do know how to curtsey there are habits you can't get rid off easily).
"I know its not my place to do so, but..."
"William", she said, silencing me. Guinevere cleared her throat, shifted around uneasily and then suggested: "Maybe we could go outside and talk there."
I nodded, mystified, and waited for her to leave first.
The morning air was warm, although stars were still twinkling overhead. I looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath, trying to memorise the way they blinked.
I knew some of the constellations, but Gaius had never come round to teach me all of their names, and now he never would.
"What happened to your arm?", the Queen asked.
I shrugged, winced, and answered: "It's nothing, really. I wasn't as careful as I should have been. I've been wondering – " Again she interrupted me.
"I am so terribly sorry for what I did to you", she blurted out.
I blinked in irritation, and the speech I had so carefully arranged slipped from my mind entirely while I tried to think of something to say.
As I kept silent, she continued on, obviously feeling some more explaining was needed: "If I had been in my right mind, I would never have done this. I would never have done any of the things I did..." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment before she continued: "Gaius has told me some of the things that happened to you."
I sighed and felt the ghost of a smile appear on my face – telling Gaius to keep things a secret certainly worked better for Merlin than it did for me. Then again, Guinevere sure was persuasive and, after all, the Queen.
"I don't think I can ever make it up to you, or any of the people I've hurt, really, but, for what it's worth: I am sorry."
I nodded, unsure what I was supposed to say about that. We walked on for a few more metres until the Queen stopped again: "Leon told me you were with Elyan when he died."
I nodded with a lump in my throat. Gwen grabbed my hand with tears in her eyes, asking anxiously: "Do you think he was in much pain?"
"I don't think so, no", I lied, shutting out the memory of how terribly afraid Elyan had looked when he had died, and saw relief light up the Queen's face.
"I thank you", she said, "if there is anything I can do for you, just tell me."
"Actually", I answered and set down in the grass, trying not to admit to myself that I badly needed the rest, "there is something. I need you to listen to a story."
"I'm not sure I really understand all of what you've told me."
"It is rather complicated", I admitted, giving Guinevere a tired smile and ignored my spinning head as much as I could, "and this is a shortened account. Gaius can tell you everything in much more detail, if you want to." She opened her mouth to ask why, but I gave her no chance and continued: "The important thing is this: Whatever happens when Arthur and Merlin are back, Merlin is no threat to the Kingdom or either of you two. In fact, he has saved your lives more times than he or I or anyone could count. He has always done his best to keep you all save, and he will continue to do so to the day he dies. But Arthur will have difficulties to get used to the idea that not all magic is evil. Accepting his closest friend actually is a sorcerer will be even harder."
"I understand now", Gwen said, "you think I can help them both."
"Just make sure you back the right side up."
"I will."
We were silent for a few minutes and watched the horizon brightening up. A new day was dawning. It was reassuring to imagine that whatever had happened last night, the world kept on turning.
For now, at least.
"There is something else I want you to think about."
"Go on?"
"I know Morgana has done terrible things to you and Arthur and so many people. I know she has changed a lot since you were friends, but... I believe there's still hope for her. She's not entirely bad" I thought of the way she treated Aithusa, and how important Mordred's friendship and loyalty had been for her, "and now that her magic is gone she will need protection. I know it's a lot to ask of you, and she won't make it easy, but I believe if anyone can help her, it is you."
She sighed deeply and then nodded hesitantly: "I will try."
"That's all I'm asking for."
I rose and made a step, staggered, and almost fell.
Things were progressing faster than I had expected. I would have to hurry.
Gwen rose abruptly, caught my arm and steadied me: "I'll bring you to Gaius'."
"No", I said, waited for the dizziness to pass and withdrew my arm from her grip, "not yet. I'll be there soon enough."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, as sure as anyone can be. I've been wondering..."
"Yes?"
"Nothing", I answered and shook my head fiercely in an attempt to clear it, "I've stolen away too much of your time already."
I pulled the Royal Seal out of my pocket and gave it to the Queen: "Arthur wanted you to have this. He wanted to know this in the right hands."
"He will come back, though, won't he?", she asked, her face pale and tired.
"He will. They both will. I'm sure of it."
She nodded, looking down upon the Seal.
"It has been an honour, Guinevere Pendragon", I said and the Queen looked up in surprise. "Thank you for believing me."
She smiled vaguely: "No one could make a story like this up."
"I suppose not", I said, turned around, and walked away. I needed to find Gwaine.
