Okay so, I'm not going to lie but the next few chapters are the ones that I have been dying to write. This is how I would have ended the series if I had been blessed enough to sit in the writer's room at BBC - although maybe it's best I weren't there, as I would have inflicted a Lady of the Lake/Merlin romance on us all.

I have also changed Mordred's story here. In my plot-line there is no Cara and Mordred sides with Morgana due to his friendship with her from when he was a child and because he believes Arthur to be the only reason magic is banned in Camelot.

Anyway - here it is! The beginning of the end.

DISCLAIMER - I own nothing. Like, literally, I live in a box.

Chapter Seven - The Witch of Camlann

Tents surrounded them and the sound of men's laughter filled the air.

It was difficult to believe that by nightfall they would be at war.

Merlin stood at the back of the tent, listening intently as Arthur gave out instructions to his Knights. Merlin was not sure why he paid such close attention - his own battle could not be won with mere steel and brute strength.

Gwen circled the room anxiously, until she found a place by Merlin's side.

"I always knew you were hiding something." She said quietly.

Merlin remained silent, his gaze never leaving his King.

"I never imagined..." She trailed off, searching for the right words. "I can't believe you kept it so well hidden."

Merlin grimaced and finally turned to face her, "I'm sorry I lied to you."

Gwen shrugged and met his gaze. "Don't be." She said simply. "You did what needed to be done. As you always have and...as you always will."

Merlin smiled softly. "I promise to do my best, your Highness."

She laughed at that. "I will never be only your Queen, Merlin. I will always be your friend."

Merlin nodded, affection suddenly overwhelming him. Outside the light in the sky was dimming, night would be with them shortly and with it, death.

The talking had stopped and one by one each of the Knights made to leave, each nodding briefly to Merlin as they passed. Gwen too, took her leave, until it was just Arthur and Merlin.

"Merlin..." Arthur began, keeping his gaze on the map sprawled out in front of him. "Are you sure that you can do this?"

Merlin laughed, "No...but I am the only one who stands a chance."

Arthur nodded and blinked furiously. Merlin had the sneaking suspicion that maybe he was blinking away tears.

"Please Merlin, do everything in your power to stay alive, I need my friend." He straightened up and fixed his blue eyes on Merlin. "And more importantly, I need my servant."

Merlin grinned, "Don't worry Sire, you won't get rid of me that easily."

Arthur nodded and despite the fact that there was a good six feet between them, Merlin felt that they were closer than they had ever been.

_Page break_

It wasn't long until Merlin found himself standing by Arthur's side, in the middle of Camlann, facing an army.

The air was sticky with sweat and fear.

Morgana made her way through her men until she stood standing proudly in front of them. Her hair was bedraggled and piled atop of her head, she smiled at them, exuding confidence...but Merlin could sense her panic. Her eyes scanned the crowd - searching. Her fear radiated from her in waves and Merlin couldn't help but remember the woman she once was.

That woman had long gone.

"Hello Arthur." Morgana said sweetly. "How are you my dear brother?"

"I will be better when this is all over." Arthur replied.

Morgana grinned, she had barely looked at Arthur, her eyes still too busy scanning the crowd. To her Arthur wasn't the real threat - he never had been - it had always been her and Emrys.

"Where is he?" She finally demanded. "Where is Emrys?"

Merlin took a deep breath, this was it, this was the moment. He took three steps forward, his legs resisting every step. He stood so that he faced her.

Morgana's eyes widened in shock. "You..."

Merlin nodded. "I am so, so sorry Morgana. I had the power to stop this." He waved a hand around them. "I thought that by hiding your powers from you, I would be preventing the prophecy, instead I fear I have forced it to come true."

He looked through the crowd and found Mordred clad in black mail.

Why didn't you tell her who I am? Merlin pushed the thought across the field, Mordred stood upright.

I have no quarrel with you Merlin, only Arthur.

To fight against Arthur is to fight against me. Merlin sighed, Morgana was still staring at him, frozen in shock.

"A long time ago I had the chance to stop all this by offering you my friendship. I offer you my friendship now." He held out his hand, despite everything, Merlin still hoped she would take it.

Morgana stared at his outstretched palm. "You...can't be Emrys." She hissed. "You are nothing more than a servant!"

"I am Emrys and always have been." Merlin said softly. "It was your belief in your superiority that led you to ignore what was directly under your nose. But magic does not care for something such as trivial as titles Morgana, you should know that."

The witch's nostrils flared. "No!" She spat. "I refuse to believe it."

Merlin almost felt pity for her. "For the longest time I have been Arthur's shadow and yours. You would have seen that, had you ever bothered to look."

Morgana opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself. Instead she stood up straight, a malicious smirk encompassing her face.

"No matter Merlin." She said quietly. "It all ends now."

She raised her arm and Arthur did the same. She brought it down through the air like a swipe of a knife and chaos soon followed it.

DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!

Aha I hope you liked it :) this chapter ended up being longer than I expected so it had to be divided in two, looks like there will be a total of ten chapters now!

Much love, MsDeacs xx