Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin (I wish I would!)
A/N: I did my best to avoid language mistakes but as my native tongue is German there may still be many to be found. Please accept my most humble apology in advance!
As to the plot of this story: After I wrote 'Abandoned' – my first fanfiction ever – as a mostly "Arthur-centred" piece, I wanted to write a story that focuses more on Merlin and on magic. The result is, as I fear, less tragic and dramatic than "Abandoned", but then it is also more "canon" than my first story. The story is therefore rated "K", although I want to have some real combat action in the second half. I hope you'll enjoy it. Please review!
The legacy of Cornelius Sigan
4. A most unexpected alliance
"You believe me, then?" Merlin still didn't dare to hope that he might have convinced the Pendragon. While Gaius held his breath, the King pulled five fingers through his hair in a gesture so much like his son's that Merlin's heart missed a beat. "There are still a lot of blank spaces in your story. For one, I don't even pretend to know what these "Searchers" might be." Merlin opened his mouth for an explanation but Uther cut him short "…but from what I could gather so far we are about to be overrun by Mercia's army that is supported by evil magic of immense power in the space of a few weeks from now. Is that correct?" Merlin nodded and muttered "The Druids think it to be two months until they come, at most." "And I am to understand that, albeit the Druids are not going to help us, they have taken my son in a sort of 'protective custody'?" Again this was confirmed by a nod from the warlock.
"And this in turn means that the only thing standing between us and total annihilation, as you so aptly put it, is…..?" Once again staring intently into the younger man's wide eyes Uther had an astonishing insight on what had made his son put his entire trust in his friend even after he had learned that his seemingly idiotic, innocent manservant was a potentially very powerful warlock. Never taking his eyes from the King's face Merlin answered with a somewhat trembling voice. "Yes, Sire, I think the only thing between us and Camelot's downfall is…..me!"
In the silence that followed this bold statement they heard Gaius chuckle. "So King Uther Pendragon is forced to rely on a young magician's help and this magician is the very man who was to be executed for the use of magic a few weeks ago! And this scheduled execution made Camelot's Crown Prince run away, directly into the arms of Camelot's sworn enemies who are now the only ones who can save Arthur Pendragon's life? I don't believe it. That's too good to be true."
Uther growled at this, much as his son most probably would have done under these circumstances. "Go on, Gaius. Turn the knife in the wound once more, this is most helpful." For a moment the King covered his face with both his hands and sighed audibly. "If anyone of you has the slightest idea of how I am to explain all this to my Crown Council and my Army Commanders – I am open for suggestions!"