Dear Merlin,
Do not blame yourself! This was my decision and my mine alone, and I cannot let you take responsibilities for my actions. I knew what I was doing when I went into battle, and I would gladly do it again. This is for the best. I go to serve Camelot.
I once told you, Merlin, that you were the worst servant I've ever had. It is as true today as it was then, but what I did not tell you is that you are also the best friend I've ever had. You have stood by me through thick and thin. No matter what I was going through, you were always there by my side. You have saved my life more times than I can count. Yet I have never given you proper thanks. So let me do that now. Thank you, Merlin, for saving my life.
And sadly Merlin, it is time for us to part. I regret that our friendship cannot grow. You must move on without me. I go to my death, but you, you continue to live and to thrive. I am counting on you, Merlin. Camelot needs you. You have a mother who needs you. So live on! Do not try to follow me to the grave. That is the last thing I would wish. It is not yet your time, but it is mine.
It's funny. You know, I used to think that we would die together. I never really imagined one of using dying before the other, yet that is to be the case.
Before we met, I was a prat. A prince who cared for no one but himself, I was no more than a boy, but with your help, I became a man. It is strange, is it not? How two people born in two totally different worlds could need each other so much. For I have come to realize, that you needed me as much as I needed you. We are like two sides of the same coin.
Merlin, you are more than my friend. You are the brother I never had. Now, brother, I need you to be strong. Camelot and my father will both suffer greatly by my death. You must be there for them. My father may not want your help at first, but you must, for my sake, do so anyway. For I know you are not all that you seem to be, Merlin, son of Balinor. Merlin, the last of the Dragonlords. Merlin, the sorcerer.
Yes, Merlin, I know the truth. I am not a complete idiot you know. I always knew there was something different about you, but for the longest time, I could not put my finger on it. I would get suspicious, like the time you created the wind that Poor Will took credit for, and then when nothing seemed to come of it, my suspicions would disappear for a time.
After the incident with the dragon, my suspicions were once again aroused and this time they did not go away. I must confess that I spied on you, Merlin, but I never seemed to get any proof. Finally, I did the only thing I could; I went to Gaius.
You were out on an errand that I had created especially for that purpose. I told him that I knew you had magic, although to be honest I was not entirely certain of it, but Gaius's expression quickly confirmed it. You should have seen him, Merlin. The poor man went entirely pale and didn't ever try to hide it. I did not tell him that I only knew because he had just confirmed it.
He asked me how I knew and I told him that I had been suspicious for a while and was now utterly convinced, but I assured him that I would not turn you over to my father. Gaius then told me of all the numerous times that you had used magic to save my father, Camelot, and me.
Before this telling, I was angry with you, Merlin. I felt that you had betrayed me. I believed magic to be evil and that you were using it under my very nose, put me in a rage, but when I heard all that you had done, I quickly realized that magic is not always evil. It is how you use it, and Merlin, you certainly used it for good. I have no doubt that you will one day be the greatest wizard to ever breathe.
I still wish, however, that you had told me yourself. I wish you could have trusted me more. It is too late now.
Still, I waited for you to tell me, but you never did. I even dropped hints that you promptly ignored. Never fear, Merlin. Your secret, as I told Gaius, is safe with me. I will not tell a soul, not even Guinevere.
Speaking of which, the promise you made when I was going to fight the final round with King Olaf? I hold you to that now. Look after her. I know she will need you. My death will not be easy on anyone, but especially so for her.
I shall miss her. I had once hoped that she would one day be my wife, but now, alas! I see that it will never be. I go to my death, and she goes on to a new life. Be the friend to her that you were to me. That is the greatest favor you could ever do for me.
My time here is running short. Farewell, Merlin! If I some how manage to survive this battle, then you would not have reason to read this letter. Remember me. I hope that at the least that I die with honor. That is all a man can ask for. That and that my life has not be a waste. If I have had any part in making the world a better place, then I am content. Farewell!
Your friend and brother in bond,
Arthur Pendragon.