His Father's Son

A/N: This is another episode that the show did, so I'll be skimming over parts that are identical to the episode. However, you may find they are few and far between.

Merlin ran through the forest, the knights of Caerleon on his tail. He led them straight into a dead end, to be ambushed by Arthur and his knights. The soldiers were defeated, and the leader was taken as prisoner.

"Look what we have here," Aggravaine said, throwing down the prisoner in bandit's clothes.

"Take him prisoner, my father will deal with him when he goes back to Camelot." Arthur dismissed Aggravaine, wanting to be on his way.

"I fear this is no ordinary prisoner, sire," Aggravaine said, drawing Arthur's attention to him and handing him a necklace

"Well well," Arthur said, examining the trinket.

"What is it?" Merlin asked, looking at it.

"This, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon." Arthur looked at the prisoner. "Is it not, your highness." The man, the king, regarded him with cool, brown eyes.

A little while later, the band of knights was back at camp with the King of Caerleon.

"This is not the first time he's trespassed on our lands," Arthur said to Aggravaine.

"No, it is not," he agreed. "Only last week he seized the village of Stonedown on the border." Aggravaine sat on a log, by the fire in the dark.

"We're not on the borders now, Aggravaine, this is the heart of the kingdom." Arthur said. "We must make haste back to Camelot and let my father deal with him," he continued.

"I think you should take another course of action," Aggravaine said. "You know how your father will deal with him; he will be executed swiftly for his crimes against Camelot. Your father is a strong king, and Camelot's enemies respect that strength. It is time for you to show that same strength, here and now. Your father will be proud of you for it."

"Are you saying I'm not worthy of that respect?" Arthur asked Aggravaine.

"No, not at all," Aggravaine said, in the most bootlicking manner possible. "There isn't a citizen of Camelot who would not lay down their life for you." At least that's true, Merlin thought.

Aggravaine stood and walked closer to Arthur. "But to your enemies… the enemies of Camelot… you are untested. They are becoming aware that Uther grows older, and they wish to measure you and what you will be like as king. If you show weakness, the moment you are king they will strike. You must send a clear message that as king, any action against Camelot will be met without mercy."

"You are saying you would me handle this without my father?" Arthur asked Aggravaine.

He shrugged in response. "I highly doubt your father would begrudge you. In fact, I believe he'd be proud you showed initiative."

Arthur sighed. "Well, did we not send a clear message here today?"

Aggravaine looked at Arthur with beady eyes. "No sire. Not enough to deter the likes of Odin and Bayard and the countless others who covet Camelot's wealth."

"What are you suggesting?" Arthur asked has he sat down on a log.

"I suggest," Aggravaine said, "That you force him to hand back over the lands he has seized over the past few months. Tell him to remove his men, surrender to Camelot her territories, and Everwick." He spoke in hushed, private tones.

"He'd rather die than agree to such terms," Arthur said, looking around to make sure nobody was listening in.

"Then you are left with no choice," Aggravaine said, looking him in the eye.

"I can't just kill a man in cold blood," Arthur said with disbelief.

"You must do what you need to do to assure your authority over this land when you are king!" Aggravaine insisted.

"I will let my father settle what to do when we return to Camelot," Arthur said. "I will not take authority on this matter; I am sure there is another way."

Aggravaine shook his head. "Your father will agree with me, Arthur. This is what needs to be done."

"I'll believe it when I hear it out of my father's mouth. My decision is made, Aggravaine." Aggravaine stood and left in frustration with the prince.

"You did the right thing," Merlin said, coming over to Arthur and sitting next to him. "Executing him will not avert a war."

"What would you know," Arthur said dismissively, playing with a stick found on the ground.

"I know what is obvious," said Merlin, leaning in towards Arthur. "Queen Annis would not just take it if Caerleon is executed," he pointed out. "She would attack in kind."

Arthur pressed his lips together. "You have a point." Merlin got up to tend the camp, leaving Arthur to his thoughts.

They returned to Camelot late that afternoon, Caerleon being immediately brought into the throne room by Arthur and Aggravaine, Merlin and some of the knights in tow.

"We captured him attacking our lands," Arthur said roughly. "Right in the heart of the kingdom."

"Caerleon," Uther said cooly to the man kneeling in his throne room, dismissing the councilors until another time. "You're who I have to thank for the misery of the people in Stonedown," he said. "They cry out for our retribution." Uther began pacing around the captured King. "Your crimes… attacking our kindgom, seizing our lands, breaking the peace treaty… they are unforgivable."

"So are your crimes against those who wield magic," Caerleon said roughly. "That hasn't stopped you."

"Silence!" Uther cried. "I will spare your life if you sign a new treaty. You will hand over the seized territories, banish magic from your kingdom," Uther paused, "Hand over Annan, and I will spare your life."

Caerleon's eyes widened. Annan was a larger town than Everwick, and central to that reigon's trade. There was no way Caerleon would accept these terms, and he made it known. "I will do no such thing," he said roughly. "Do what you will with me."

"Very well," said Uther, coming to a stop in front of Caerleon. "This was your doing, not mine." He drew his sword from his hip, and plunged the sword deep into Caerleon's chest. He was dead before Uther drew his sword.

The knights picked up the body, and quickly carried it out of the throne room. "This is a learning moment, Arthur," Uther said. "This show of strength was necessary. An example had to be made of him, so that none other would attempt what he did."

Uther then smiled at his son. "I am glad you brought this before me, though, so that I may teach you this." Uther grabbed his son's arm, before letting him go and returning to what he was originally doing.

In Caerleon, when Annis was returned the body, she swore revenge against Uther.

"This is no battle wound!" She cried to her troops. "Uther will pay for this. A king for a king," she said. "The whole of Camelot will pay for this!"

Later that evening, Morgana showed up at the castle of Queen Annis. They spoke, and struck a deal.

"You seek revenge against Uther Pendragon," she said lightly. "So do I. We could work toward the same goal; I kill Uther from inside Camelot while your armies march towards her from the outside." She smirked sinisterly. "We would be undefeatable."

Merlin was up late that night, polishing Arthur's armor out on the training field where he had left it. It was a cool, wonderful night, and he was enjoying the weather immensely. Arthur trusted magic, trusted him, even knew some of his secrets - there was nothing Merlin could ask for in the world.

He was beyond glad Arthur now knew he was a dragonlord, even if it made no material difference - he liked not having to lie to Arthur anymore about the dragons, or about Morgana, or about magic for the most part.

Arthur still didn't know about what he'd done to save his life so many times, not yet, but he would one day. Merlin trusted that, now more than ever. And when Arthur did know about his magic, know he was Emrys, Merlin would sit down and tell him the full story.

Perhaps I'll even write a book about it, Merlin thought. It has been quite a tale. And would make quite a book. It would certainly make telling Arthur all the details a lot easier.

It was then that he saw a figure skulking about outside the castle walls - right where Merlin had sneaked out prisoners countless times. He set down Arthur's armor, and tailed the figure.

When he got to the door, it stood open. He walked through it, shutting it behind him. He hurried quietly through the halls, not wanting the intruder to be alert to his presence. It was then that he came upon two unconscious guards at the foot of the stairs. He awoke them roughly, sensing the irony of the situation.

"Wake up!" He shook the guard, and he roused slowly. Unconciouness kept his eyes unfocused, and then he remembered. "The Lady Morgana," he mumbled at Merlin.

"Shit," he swore, bounding up the stairs after her. A couple minutes later, he heard the warning bells ring as he continued his chase after Morgana. He went directly to Arthur's room, only to meet him in the hall looking for the source of the warning.

"Morgana!" They heard Uther yell, and they needed no more indication as they burst into Uther's chambers. When they got inside, they were met with a chilling sight. Uther was held in Morgana's grip with a knife to his throat, Uther on his knees and in his nightclothes.

"Continue no further if you want to live," Morgana said smoothly. "I'm just here running a few errands," she said as she pressed the dagger into Uther's throat. "I had hoped to kill all of the Pendragons while I was here," she said, "But it looks like I'll have to settle for the senior."

"Why are you doing this?" Arthur cried.

"You know why, dear brother," she spat. "Our father would have me and all of my kind killed!"

"I could never kill you, Morga - " Uther tried to say, but was interrupted by Morgana's cry of "Silence!"

"The Pendragon line is a plague upon this earth," she said darkly.

"Morgana!" Merlin yelled. "When Arthur is king, he will remove the ban on magic!" He cried despairingly.

"I have heard the rumors," she said, smirking. "Nevertheless, both he and his father need removing from this earth. Legalizing magic is not enough to atone for all of the deaths the Pendragons have caused," she said, looking down at Uther. "And besides," she said sinisterly. "Wouldn't that be all the more reason for me to kill Uther now?"

"It doesn't need to be this way," Arthur said.

"It does, since the throne is rightfully mine!" Morgana cried. "Neither of you deserve the kingdom of Camelot!" She dragged her dagger across Uther's neck, and the blood spilled as she teleported away. "Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!" she cried, as the wind obscured her and she was gone.

"Father!" Arthur cried, running to Uther. Blood was pouring all over his tunic and neck, the gash Morgana made large and obtrusive.

He cradled the dying king in his arms, and Uther said nothing to Arthur as he held him, already unconscious from blood loss. The life faded from him, and the king was dead within the minute. Arthur cried over him, loudly and filled with grief.

Merlin left the room, and stood outside the door as Gaius arrived a half hour later, some of the knights in tow.

"The king is dead," he said roughly. "It was Morgana; she snuck in."

Gaius pushed past Merlin and he followed him inside, leaving the guards to stand watch outside the door.

"Arthur," said Gaius compassionately, and Arthur looked up from where he sat. Tears streaked his face profusely. Gaius looked to Merlin, and Merlin came and put a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur stood up, and Merlin guided him out of the room.

"How did she get in?" Arthur asked of Merlin as they walked down the halls, as if Merlin should know.

"She broke in," he said sadly. "I was outside, polishing your armor, up late. I saw her, and tried to catch her coming into the castle, but I lost her. She knocked out the two guards, who set off the warning bell when I woke them. Thats when I saw you, and…" Merlin trailed off.

"But why now," he asked emptily.

"I don't know why," he said. "She could have done it anytime; why now." He asked, shaking his head. Arthur got back into his room, and changed into some proper clothes.

"Perhaps this has something to do with Caerleon," Merlin suggested. "I said the other night that Annis would probably seek revenge."

Arthur turned to face the wall. "Their kingdom is not unwelcoming towards those with magic," he agreed. "Perhaps she partnered with Morgana. I can't believe queen Annis would be so malicious, but…"

"We'll find out soon enough," Merlin said. "If she's really working with Annis, they won't wait to do something." He guessed.

Arthur nodded, silently.

"At least you can do something about Aggravaine now," Merlin said.

"I have decided what I'll do with him," Arthur already said. "I won't let him know we know, and we'll use him to our advantage. We'll let him lead us straight to her, feed her information," he said. "That is much more useful than dead," he said bluntly.

Arthur sat down at his table, and put his head in his hands. "I can't believe it," Arthur said. "He's just…" Arthur shook his head, unable to form the words.

"I know," Merlin said. He was shocked at how abruptly it happened; Uther was alive one moment and… gone the next. Merlin felt guilty about it, but a certain part of him was glad to see Arthur as King. He would free magic, and marry Gwen, and the time of Albion could start.

But first, Arthur had to make it through this. Merlin's heart went out to his friend; he remembered his grief when his own father died, and he had known him for less than a day. What, then, could Arthur be feeing? Merlin, who knew so much of death, knew little of losing someone so close.

"We had been growing distant," Arthur said, as if hearing Merlin's thoughts. "Ever since our row, and we saw different ways, we just… grew apart. I hadn't had a casual conversation with him in weeks," he said sadly. "I shouldn't have let our views stand between us." He sighed. "I suppose…" he said, trailing off. "I'm not ready to be King," Arthur said distantly.

"'Course you are," Merlin said. "You've been ready for ages. You're going to do a fine job." He insisted. Arthur showed it the other day, with Caerleon; his refusal to murder the king in cold blood told Merlin he would make a good king.

Arthur spoke quietly. "All that I said, about returning magic to the kingdom… it was very far off, you know. Like something I would do someday, not something I would do this year." He shook his head. "I have no idea how to even go about doing it… if I did it quickly, would the people accept such an abrupt change?" He asked.

Without waiting for a response, he said "My first act cannot be to repeal the most major of my father's," he said solemnly. "And I would not want it to be."

"The people know of your intent," Merlin said. "When the druids said they'd spread the word, they meant it. If even Morgana knew about it, surely the people of Camelot do." Merlin had a point. The whisperings were all over the kingdom; that as soon as Arthur became King, there would be a change in the law; magic would be returned. While the young men and women were skeptical, the elders remembered the time before the great purge, and were excited that they might live to see such a time.

"I think there will be more trouble getting the councilmen to write the laws," Arthur said. "I can pass them, but getting the finer points in writing and signed will require their cooperation."

"You're the King, Arthur," Merlin said, and Arthur flinched visibly. "I think they'll listen to you if you decree something," he pointed out.

"You're right, Merlin," Arthur said, not even bothering to mask the statement tonight. He dipped his head, and tried uselessly to still the shaking of his shoulders. "I am king now, but I wish I wasn't."

"I can't believe she'd do that," he said to himself. "Morgana loved him once."

Merlin looked at the now-king that sat before him. His shoulders were hunched in defeat, and his face was heavy in sorrow from the loss of his father.

Everyone knew Uther had been getting on in years, especially since Morgana's betrayal, but nobody expected him to be gone so soon. Morgana had snuck into the castle as if it were a toy house, not even hindered by the security within the castle. Merlin supposed she had got lucky no servants or others had passed her tonight. It reminded him of the events surrounding the Crystal of Neatid, except this time Merlin had not forseen the events tonight. He supposed that even if he did, he would have been unable to change things anyways.

It was at that moment that a knock was heard at the door, and Leon stepped in after receiving permission. "Sire," Leon said respectfully, "He is in the throne room."

Arthur dipped his head in sorrow as he walked out of the room, and Merlin and Leon accompanied him downstairs. Merlin stood outside the doors as Arthur stepped through them, and shut them behind him.

"We must leave him to mourn," Leon said.

"I know," Merlin said, "But I'll be waiting out here. He needs to know he isn't alone."

Leon headed off to his own chambers, leaving Merlin where he sat.

It was morning when Merlin heard the door creak open behind him. He had woken early, after falling asleep on the stone floor of the stairwell landing. When he heard the noise, he turned his head and saw Arthur standing, the light of the morning sun behind him.

"It's a new day," Arthur said decisively. "You hungry?" He asked Merlin.

"Starved," he replied. He had been sitting on a stone floor all night, tossing and turning. He was in rough shape.

"Me too," Arthur said, having been doing roughly the same thing. "Come on, you can make us breakfast," he said. The pair climbed the stairs towards Arthur's chambers, Merlin breaking off to fetch food from the kitchens.

When Merlin retuned, the pair of them shared a silent breakfast in Arthur's chambers. Gwen came by as well, making herself busy doing Merlin's chores, since she no longer had Uther's chores to do. She let the men eat together silently, putting a hand on Arthur's shoulder or in his hair to show him that she was here for him.

Their bleary breakfast was interrupted by a knock at the door, whom Leon was behind. "Sire," Leon said, "The army of Caerleon marches for Camelot now — the messenger just arrived."

"Of course they are," Arthur said, putting down his fork. "Morgana came to relieve Camelot of it's leaders, and then to capture Camelot and install herself as the new ruler." He spoke with anger as he stood up quickly.

"Sire," Leon began tentatively. "We must have your coronation before we ride out to meet them. Only a king can legally lead us out into war." Everyone knew Arthur would be reluctant to be crowned so quickly, Uther deserving an appropriate time to be mourned, as any king would.

Arthur sighed, as he knew Leon was right. "I suppose everyone is waiting for me downstairs, then," he said sullenly.

Leon nodded in response. "The crowd assembled quickly, news spread in the night."

Arthur stood up from his position at the table, and said to the servants, "leave this here for now - I'd rather you not miss my coronation," he said, smiling to the pair of them.

They smiled back, and the group hurried down to the ceremonial throne room at the far end of the castle. Arthur walked up the aisle, seeing the room full of people, and knelt before Geoffry of Monmouth.

"I do so swear," Arthur said in response to the crowning ceremonial oath, and stood once he felt the crown be placed on it's head. He had never worn it before, his father always insisting on its significance. It's weight felt heavy on his head, and he looked out feeling responsible for all of the people chanting in the audience.

"Long live the king!" They all shouted in unison, and Arthur prayed that he could adequately protect them from the threat that hung over them today.

Arthur stood on a cliffside that evening, examining the troops of Caerleon that gathered in the valley below. Hundreds would die today, they knew, and Arthur felt powerless to stop it. When Aggravaine walked up, Arthur gave him orders.

"Be sure the men have everything they need," he said. "They must be well-rested by morning."

"I'll see to it, sire," he said in reply.

"The battle commences at first light." He informed his uncle, and Aggravaine walked away to inform the soldiers.

The thought of his uncle being a traitor made his lips curl, but as he had said to Merlin - he is more useful being manipulated than dead. Besides, if Arthur had him killed, another spy would surely replace him. He was just glad the old sorcerer who healed his father had caught Morgana before any damage was done, and Aggravaine was exposed. If his father had died that night, Arthur knew he would have turned against magic instead of seeing the truth.

But that drama was neither here nor there. Right now, Arthur was defending himself from an impending war - a war his father caused through fear and mercilessness. Arthur knew that the same things that created this problem would not stop it, but he could not see any way around the battle that would happen tomorrow.

Arthur headed back to camp, and busied himself with strategic preparations. He had war documents and plans to pour over with his commanders, and had to form plans for every possible outcome. He knew Caerleon may have sorcerers in their ranks, and that would complicate the battle immensely.

It was late into the night before Arthur got up and walked around his tent, torches now lighting the small space. He approached his tent flap and a saddening sight met his eyes.

Merlin and the knights of the round table sat around a campfire outside his tent, obviously waiting for him to come out. They were goofing around and laughing, enjoying what may well prove to be their final nights. Arthur felt more keenly than ever the weight of what he was asking them to do, and smiled at them wistfully.

Merlin caught his eye and his smile faded as he saw the serious demeanor of his king, and the knights all turned to him as well. Having been put on the spot, Arthur puttered around before saying, "We should all get some sleep," and walking into his tent.

"Is he all right?" Arthur heard Gwaine ask from outside.

"He's our King," Merlin replied. "If anything would happen to any of us, he'll hold himself responsible." Arthur heard the silence that followed Merlin's statement.'

A little while later, the knights (and Merlin) came into his tent. It was the dead of night, and many were getting ready to fall asleep. "Elyan," Arthur said by way of greeting.

"Sire," he said, the company coming to a standstill before him.

"Well?" Arthur asked expectantly of the knights looking at him intently.

"We just want you to know," Elyan said, "That there isn't a man among us who wouldn't die for you. We made our pledge, and we wear the Pendragon crest with pride. Tomorrow, we fight in your name, sire, for freedom and justice in this land."

Arthur was glad to have the support of these men; not just for the impending battle, but because of the change in the laws they knew were to come. "Thank you Elyan," Arthur said. "Thank you all."

The knights left Arthur alone with Merlin, and he spoke up. "They mean it sire," he said, his hands on his hips and wearing a proud smile. "Every word."

"I never once questioned their loyalty," Arthur said. "I do wonder if I deserve it." He said, mumbling.

"No one could care for their men more than you do. To send them into battle is not a decision you would make lightly. They know that." Merlin busied himself with polishing Arthur's sword.

"But is it the right decision?" Arthur queried Merlin, looking for advice.

"If there was any other way out of this situation you would take it, but you must defend Camelot, you have no choice." He spoke plainly, convinced of his own words.

"We always have a choice, Merlin." Arthur said despairingly. "And my men will pay for this one with their lives." Merlin looked at Arthur, and set down the sword as he went to bed.

It was a little while later that Merlin heard Arthur leave the camp. He tried to sneak out behind him, but tripped over someone's food and crashed into a tent. Luckily, Arthur did not see him and continued his trek. Merlin followed him into Caerleon's camp.

"Halt!" the enemy soldiers cried, coming towards Arthur. Merlin watched from a rocky outcrop.

"I'm unarmed," Arthur said in reply, throwing off his cloak. "You know who I am. Take me to your Queen."

He got inside the tent in front of Annis. "Your highness, I come to - " He was interrupted when Queen Annis slapped him. "Your highness, I know you hold nothing but contempt for my family. You feel my father had done you a grievous wrong, and you would be right. I'm ashamed of what he did. It was cowardly, it was unjust, and I am deeply sorry." Arthur was ashamed of his father for his actions, and it was an awful emotion to be feeling not a day after his passing.

"Sorry does not bring back my husband," Annis spat. "Sorry does not give my people back their king." Her eyes were full of fury for the new king before her.

"I realize that. Both our people have lost kings in the past few days, and there's nothing I can do to repair that loss," Arthur said, a jab laced in the comment. Annis was almost certainly involved in Uther's assassination.

Her eyes narrowed at the implication, feeling no regret for his death. "Then what are you doing here Arthur Pendragon," Annis all but hissed.

"I want to call off the battle," Arthur said, looking at Annis.

Annis narrowed her eyes with bemusement. "It's a little to late for that," she said, voice full of contempt.

"I don't propose a truce, but an alternative," Arthur informed her. "I invoke the right of single combat. Champions, and we'll settle the matter between them." His face was open and honest.

"And why should I grant you this favor?" She asked Arthur, suspicious.

"There has been bloodshed enough already, your highness," Arthur said. Annis narrowed her eyes, truly considering his offer. She too, did not want to sacrifice her people's lives in combat. Arthur saw his lead and pressed it. "Many hundreds of lives will be saved this way," he said.

Annis nodded to the men holding Arthur, and they let him go. "And your terms?" she asked, businesslike.

"If my man wins, you must withdraw your army," Arthur decreed, standing tall.

"And if mine is the victor?" Annis asked.

Arthur looked at Annis, determined. "Than half of all Camelot is yours."

Annis knew she would be a fool not to take such an offer. She was about to accept when her men dragged another man into her tent.

Merlin looked up at Arthur from where he knelt, pleading for clemency from his king, and Arthur just looked down at him with shock and exasperation. "Sorry about this," Merlin said to Arthur, a touch of humor in his voice.

"You know him?" Annis turned to Arthur, annoyance lacing her voice.

Arthur made a face, as if he wished he really didn't know Merlin. "He's my servant, he must have followed me here. I knew nothing about it - "

"Kill him," Annis ordered casually, her men quick to comply with her command.

"Wait, please, let him go," Arthur said with frustration. "He's just…" Arthur said, looking at Merlin. "…a simple-minded fool."

"That is, two favors, you've asked of me this night, Arthur Pendragon," Annis informed him, going to sit on her throne.

Annis surveyed the both of them, before saying "Very well, you shall have your trial by combat. Announce your champion by noon tomorrow."

Arthur dipped his head respectfully. "Thank you, your highness."

"And take your fool with you," she spat.

The two of them were quick to leave the Caerleon encampment, walking through the forest back to the Camelot battlements. As soon as they were far enough away, Merlin snapped, "A simple-minded fool?"

"Oh, I was being kind, believe me," Arthur snapped back in kind.

"Being kind?" Merlin asked. "You call the last dragonlord — who has been saving your sorry arse for almost a decade, I might add — You call him a simple minded fool?" When Arthur said nothing, Merlin continued. "We're called lords for a reason, Arthur."

"I don't care if you're Emrys!" Arthur exclaimed. "You're still a simple-minded fool sometimes!"

Merlin froze stock still for a second. "Who's Emrys?" He choked out.

"A figure of druidic prophecies," Arthur said. "Foretold to unite the lands of Albion and free magic or something to that effect, just something Percival told me." he trailed off dismissively. "I'm going to legalize magic, you should porbbaly get more comfortable mentioning it," he said dryly.

Arthurs eyes were focused squarely on Merlin now, as Merlin's breaths evened out. "You almost got me killed in there, you know?"

"Me?" Merlin asked incredulously. "You seem to be doing a pretty good job of it yourself."

"What is wrong with you?" Arthur exclaimed, turning around to face Merlin. "Why can you never just let me be?"

"I'm your friend!" Merlin insisted. "I was looking out for you. It's saved your skin in the past before," Merlin said, wiggling his finger at Arthur.

Arthur sighed, frustrated. "I appreciate that you're trying to help, and I even appreciate that it may have been helpful in the past. But I'm the king now, Merlin, and - "

"Not this," Merlin said, exasperated. "I knew you'd be like this."

"Like what," Arthur asked, indignant.

Merlin raised his arms into the air and lowered his voice a pitch artificially to make fun of Arthur. "I'm King now, I can't have any friends, I must be alone - "

"Well I must," Arthur said. "Don't make fun of it," he said, pointing at Merlin.

"That's a load of bull," Merlin said bluntly. "You may be the highest power now instead of the second highest power, but how in the world does that change the fact that you'll need your friends? If anything, you'll need us more now!" Merlin exclaimed.

Arthur merely pursed his lips and walked back to the camp, Merlin following him with annoyance written all over his features.

"But sire, we can win this battle, I know it." Leon insisted. The knights of the round table and more stood alongside him as they all faced Arthur in his tent the next morning.

"I don't doubt it, but at what cost?" Arthur asked. "How many men would be slaughtered?" His voice was laden with reason.

Aggravaine surveyed the situation as Elyan said, "And what if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land," he insisted. Elyan knew more than most in the room how much people depended on their land for survival.

"That's the deal I've struck," Arthur said. "I believe it to be fair. I'll stand by it." Merlin looked on, proud of Arthur as he held his ground in this decision.

"Well then," Aggravaine said promptly from the corner. "All that remains is for you to choose your champion."

Percival quickly stepped forward. "It would be a privilege, sire," he said, Elyan chasing him to Arthur's side. "Sire," he said as well, agreeing with Percival. Soon, the rest of the knights were stepping forward volunteering.

"There can only be one choice," Arthur said, holding up a hand to stop the flow of people. "One choice which is just and honorable. This fight's mine."

The knights looked between themselves with worry, worry about what they would do if Arthur was killed. Merlin too was skeptical of the decision, realizing how risky it was even if Arthur himself couldn't. But both Arthur and Merlin saw Aggravaine's pleased smile in the corner.

After everyone else left the tent, Arthur turned to Merlin. "Did you see…" he said, trailing off.

"Yeah," Merlin said, knowing he was referring to Aggravaine. "Morgana is definitely going to try and take advantage of this," he said.

"Well, all we can do is stay on the lookout," Arthur said. "The fight is at noon, and that gives him a couple of hours to try something. Keep your eye on him."

Merlin nodded as he left the tent, to do exactly that. He prepared for the trial by running around, doing errands for Arthur as he tailed Aggravaine. Aggravaine walked out of his personal tent and over to Arthur's with a renewed sense of urgency, Merlin supposing Morgana had somehow contacted him. He watched as Aggravaine grabbed Arthur's sword and left, thinking himself unnoticed. Merlin went to find Arthur immediately.

"Aggravaine just took your sword and made for the woods," he informed his King so that no one would hear. "I think they may mean to enchant it."

"I can always use another sword," Arthur whispered back. "Thank you for letting me know. Keep your eye on him until the trial actually begins."

"Of course," he said, leaving Arthur to his paperwork and his preparations.

After Aggravaine returned the sword, nothing seemed amiss, and so the morning wore on until it was time for the trial. Merlin was strapping Arthur's armor on before the event. "Not too tight, Merlin, you don't want to kill me before I've even started," Arthur complained as Merlin fastened Arthur's armor on.

"Sorry," Merlin replied, a slight smile on his face.

Arthur turned around once Merlin was done, and took the ring off of his finger. "If this day should prove to be my last, give this to Gunivere," he said, putting it in Merlin's hand.

"Of course," Merlin said dutifully. After a couple moments nervous silence, Merlin said "Arthur, do you really think this is worth the risk? You're king now, Camelot needs you," he said, emphasizing the word, "…alive."

Arthur considered Merlin a couple seconds before saying, "I don't know what will happen. But I know in my heart I've made the right decision." He said, smiling and sure of himself.

"Well whatever happens out there…" Merlin said, clicking his tongue. Merlin knew that Arthur would not die out there - Merlin would never let it happen. His main concern was that he may have to make a spectacle out of it, with Morgana so close.

Arthur pinched his eyebrows and said "You're not about to start crying on me, are you?"

"No," Merlin said, turning to Arthur. "Just, eh, good luck," he said, laughing.

Arthur considered Merlin with a smile on his face. "Thank you old friend," he said, gripping Merlin's arm in a sign of respect that was rare from the self-absorbed prince - now king.

"It is time, my lord," Aggravaine said, walking into the tent.

"Very well," Arthur said, squaring his shoulders.

"Is all in readiness?" Aggravaine asked.

Arthur turned to Merlin. "Merlin?" he asked.

Merlin had been careful to hide Arthur's backup sword in his usual sheath, and so meant it when he said, "Ready." Arthur hitched the sheath on his armor, being sure to keep the true blade hidden from Aggravaine as he walked out onto the field.

"Right then," he said, walking out of the tent and to the battle.

Arthur saw the gargantuan man waiting for him, a man that was at least six and a half feet tall. His shoulders were twice as wide as Arthur's, and he wielded a greatsword as if it were a toy. Merlin looked down at the Caerleon champion with concern, and Arthur regarded him with trepidation as he growled at him like an animal.

Arthur struck first, setting the spar off. His speed matched his foe's strength, and the battle was evenly matched for a couple minutes, each matching the other blow for blow. When Arthur fell, he scraped his face and angered him more.

"This has gone on long enough," Morgana said to Annis. "I've enchanted Arthur's sword. It holds the weight of a thousand ages. No one could bear it for long." She activated the enchantment, and saw it did not take effect.

"It seems your enchantment has gone wrong," Annis said lightly, as if she were unconcerned it had.

"I cannot believe it!" She growled. "My spy must have grabbed the wrong sword," she said angrily. It must be Emrys, she thought madly. Thwarting me again!

"Indeed," Annis agreed, watching the battle continue.

It remained evenly matched, but the Caerleon champion was slowly gaining the upper hand. Arthur's strength was fading, and Merlin knew he had to act before he lost. "Ecg ætstande!" he murmured, and Gwaine shot him a glance when the foe's sword shot to the ground and remained immobile. This gave Arthur the chance to corner his foe on the ground, and instead of killing him he plunged the sword into the ground next to his head.

A great cheer erupted from Camelot's knights, and Annis set out to greet Arthur on his side of the field. She climbed up the cliff face to greet the opposing king.

"You are victorious, Arthur Pendragon," she said. "And you may rest assured that I will comply absolutely with the terms of our agreement. My army will be gone by nightfall." She said, a strange sort of happiness in her tone.

"Thank you, your highness," Arthur replied, grabbing her arm in respect. "I forgive you for everything that has happened between us, and I hope you can do the same for me."

"Tell me something," Annis requested. "You spared my champion. And you have forgiven me. Why?"

"Because it's not victory I seek, it is peace. I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our kingdoms." Arthur said, complete sincerity in his voice.

"There is something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something which gives me hope for us all." she said, regarding Arthur with amazement in her eyes as she turned to walk away.

Merlin walked up to Arthur. "You completely forgave her," Merlin said, just as surprised.

Arthur turned to Merlin. "I was angry, so angry, at first. But I realize that seeking revenge, seeking to even the score, will only bring more bloodshed. I do not think I will ever like her because of what she did, but I will not hold it against her entire kindgom."

Merlin nodded, smiling because he was proud of Arthur.

They rode into Camelot, the people cheering because of the victory against Caerleon and the peace that Arthur brought. Banners hung from the rafters, and people waved streamers behind Arthur's horse.

"You're a hero," Merlin said, catching up to Arthur after they got through the crowd.

"Thank you Merlin," Arthur said honestly.'

"Not to me, to your people," Merlin clarified, a smile playing on his face.

"Right. You think different?" Arthur clarified.

"Maybe I know something they don't," Merlin said, grinning.

"Which is?" Arthur said, now skeptical.

"You know," Merlin said, looking behind him to make sure nobody was close. "That you're a cabbage head."

"Maybe," Arthur said, regarding Merlin as if he were the strangest man in the world. Last of the dragonlords, two dragons at his command, and he consented to being someone's manservant for a living. "But no more than you," he retorted, smiling as the two of them walked into the castle.

A/N: And Uther died! I will miss his cries of "Sorcery!"That always amused me. I wanted to keep him alive a year or two longer, but the will of Albion told me it was not possible. What are you gonna do.

I tried to alleviate some poor writing and continuity by editing when scenes happened. This shaved an entire two days off of their journey, but if you keep track of the actual timelines, what the characters say vs. when it happens is a wreck.

I always wondered why it was Morgana never just strolled on into the castle with her magical powers and just went and stabbed everyone. I suppose it was timing; she needed to do it when she had the army to reinforce her victory. And now she had queen Annis's.

Arthur took a lot of the blame for Uther because back then, there was a huge emphasis on family ties. The sins of the father really were the sins of the son.