Author's Notes: Once more I'd like to thank those of you who have started following my story and favouriting it too. It's nice to pick up new readers. A special thank you to those of you who left reviews; they do give me inspiration when writing gets tough.

I'm sorry this part is a little later this week. Technically it is Saturday morning here, but I have been plagued with headaches this week, and I had one earlier tonight, though I still think it is Friday in some parts of the world.

Chapter Thirteen

Opening Gambit

If it were at all possible, two hours before noon, the great hall was already more crowded than the day before. The Grand Council was to begin at noon, but the community of Albion, mostly the nobles, had arrived early to procure a place. Arthur had ordered the windows to be opened, so that attendees could use the long balcony to listen to the proceedings, and the doors be kept open so that the ante-chambers could accommodate late comers.

He had sent both Leon and Percival to chivy along the head villagers from the outlying districts, but unless they had ridden through the night, he feared few would arrive in time. Nevertheless, as Guinevere pointed out, there was little doubt that the debate on magic would be concluded within one day, and there was every chance that those who would support Arthur would be there for the count.

In fact, just before midday, while Arthur and Guinevere were assembling their supporters in the small council chamber, Percival arrived with a surprising, but very welcome visitor. Mary Howden and her escort had come with all speed to offer their backing to a king and queen who had helped their village when the Lamia had drained the menfolk of their strength. Unfortunately, her husband John had been ailing of late and was unable to travel, so he had sent Mary and his deputy, Bryce, as his proxy with the written documents to ensure their vote was legal. The reunion had been a happy one as well of one of relief.

Merlin and Arthur could only hope there were more country folk out there who felt as Mary and her people.

But the time could not be put off, and on the stroke of noon, the alarm bell rang out, signifying the opening of The Grand Council. Arthur entered the room with Guinevere, Merlin, Geoffrey and Gaius; Percival and Leon and a large number of junior knights acting as their bodyguards. In truth, Arthur had hoped that Kay would return, but since he had been sent to Brineved, a region on the very borders of Albion, there was little hope he would arrive before tomorrow.

An immediate hush fell over the huge room, as the royal party, all purposely dressed in their finest, made their way to the dais. The King had chosen to discard his armour, and was dressed comfortably in a tailored red tunic topped by his ceremonial cloak with the golden dragon badge of Camelot emblazoned on the velvet. About his neck he wore the jeweled chain of his office, which he very seldom did, being averse to shows of affluence, though he did wear his crown.

Queen Guinevere looked equally regal and breathtakingly lovely in her coronation gown; a confection of cream silk beaded with jewels, with an overdress of royal purple. The dress had been stored away since that day, but Arthur had insisted it be brought out for this momentous occasion. Precious jewels glowed lustrously around her graceful neck and in her ears, and she too wore her crown.

Even Merlin was wearing his red velvet jacket, which had been made for Gwen's coronation, underneath his new blue robe.

In the silence, Arthur escorted Guinevere to her throne then turned to face his audience. Learning from yesterday's experience, he did not give the people time to start bickering, but raised both hands for silence.

"You all know the reason for this gathering, and I understand that everyone has their own views on the matter of magic, but I'm determined this will be a civilised meeting. Each of you will get the chance to have your say, but you will not talk over each other, or shout each other down, or even bully another into your way of thinking." He paused a moment to be sure everyone had heard. "Those of you on the walkway outside and in the ante-chambers, if you can hear me, I want you to nod your head to the guard stationed closest to you. Guards, you will relay their message to myself or Geoffrey of Monmouth. If this is clear, do so now!"

There was another slightly longer delay as the method was verified.

"After myself, The Queen, Councillor Gaius, my Personal Adviser Merlin Emrys and my Commander of the Knights, Sir Leon, will have their say. Afterwards, each of you who wish to speak are invited to present your name to the scribes you see in front of the dais. Again, there are two scribes each by the windows and doors for those of you not actually in the chamber. We shall then break for the day, and tomorrow, your names will be called out in alphabetical order, so that no one has precedence over another, and you may put your point of view forward... for or against magic. No one will be judged on their honest opinion, though harrying other speakers will be frowned upon and may result in you being expelled from the council."

While The King was speaking, Gwen and Merlin exchanged glances. Normally, Merlin would help Arthur write his speeches, but never those given on the battleground. It appeared, since these words were Arthur's alone, he was sure this gathering might be a battleground in all but name. However, it was also clear that Arthur had given a lot of thought to this meeting, and The Queen and Arthur's new titular Adviser were impressed.

"However, as this is a debate, at the end of the proceedings the meeting will be thrown open, and people can challenge opinions they do not agree with." There was a murmur throughout the chamber as he spoke. "But I warn you; this is a civilised society and I will require each and everyone of you to remember that. Arguments will be tolerated, but not aggression, and the only weapons in this chamber will be carried by my guards. To that end, Sirs Leon, Percival and Calder will supervise the guards as they collect swords and knives from anyone who is armed."

At that, the muttering grew in volume, the news having taken the assembly completely by surprise, though why that should be was a mystery, since only the knights and soldiers were allowed to carry weapons in the presence of The King.

Clearly, and worryingly, certain nobles were intent on causing mayhem, and it was not long before the first one objected.

"Sire, you cannot mean us to give up our weapons when there are sorcerers present!" Brennan of Avebury shouted, pushing his way to the front of the crowd.

Arthur regarded the middle-aged man standing at the foot of the steps, trying to discern any likeness to Sir Leon, this man being his uncle. Yet apart from the same height and hair colouring there was little similarity, certainly none of the friendly reticence of Leon. Brennan appeared a conceited individual, dressed finely in the tan and yellow colours of his house, a heavy jewelled broach clasping his cloak, while red gold rings adorned his fingers.

"Lord Avebury, if you are referring to my friend, Merlin, he is a warlock, not a sorcerer, which does make a difference, and if you attend the rest of the council, you will discover those differences." Arthur addressed Avebury, but his message was for everyone. "However, if you want to remain, you will have to yield your sword to my knights. Believe me, your sword would afford you little protection should Merlin wish to attack you."

The man paled, but he would not back down. "You, a Pendragon, have fallen so far from your father's path that you would allow a sorcerer to threaten one of your foremost nobles, here in Uther's citadel?" Brennan spread his arms and spat out the question as if the words soured his mouth.

Yet Arthur did not quail. Instead, he stood taller, his crowned head high and his shoulders back, and never did he look so strong, or so controlled in his anger. "I did not threaten you, rather I offered you a warning. But Merlin will hurt no one here, unless they have come with ill intent. Merlin Emrys has magic, but he is no enemy of myself or Camelot, and if you had answered my summons to Camlann, Avebury, as you should have done, being... what did you call yourself? One of my foremost nobles?" Arthur asked sarcastically, then stilled, allowing the others who had absented themselves from the battle to feel his displeasure. "Had you obeyed your King's command, you would have seen Emrys destroy the enemy hordes and with the rest of our army, send them running back to the Saxon Shore."

The King gazed around the hall, taking pride in those men who had fought on Camlann Plain, yet noting those who seemed embarrassed at their dereliction of duty, and marking those who remained defiant at his accusation.

"I myself was mortally wounded during the fight, and Merlin sought me out, tended to my injuries and cured me with magic, just as he has used magic to protect me many times while in my service. It is for this reason I have decided that we should re-examine our stand on magic; that perhaps not all magic and not all sorcerers are the same," Arthur said, borrowing Merlin's words of long ago. "Perhaps my father was mistaken in his doctrine that all sorcery is evil."

"But is it not true that you were wounded by a sorcerer at Camlann?" Avebury asked, hardly masking a sneer. "And yet you would still have sorcery legalised?"

"I don't deny the fact of how I was injured. The young sorcerer who struck me down believed he had good reason. He sought revenge because I had transgressed against someone he loved. I do not say I acted against the law, but it is these sweeping laws against sorcery which has led to these interminable wars between Camelot and the Old Religion. Wars which have destroyed many innocent lives on both sides, and would have taken my own life, if Merlin had not intervened to save me."

"My Lord, are you suggesting that magic can be used for good?" another male voice asked from the side of the hall.

Turning his head, Arthur was not surprised to see Cedric come forward. "Lord Walton, I am suggesting that not all people who use magic are evil, and that many only wish to help Albion become a place of learning, justice and peace. However, as this is a subject which will touch everyone who dwells within our borders, I and my advisers are willing to listen to all opinions on the question, which is why I have set out these rules for this Grand Council."

For some minutes, The King allowed the people to think over his regulations and to discuss their thoughts with those around them. But he gave them little time, and once again called for silence.

"Given these unforeseen interruptions, the schedule is already running late, and I suspect many of you will wish to register your names with the scribes so you may air your views." There was a chorus of assent at his words. "Therefor, since you already know my feelings on the matter, I will keep what I have to say short." Arthur, swallowed and again squared his shoulders. He did not find it easy to admit his failings in public, but this had to be done. "As you all know, I was brought up by my father to believe in the evils of sorcery, and that it must be totally wiped out from our realm.

As leader of Camelot's army, I was sent, whenever a Druid camp was discovered, to destroy the inhabitants, every last one. I am sad to say that I did as I was bid, yet I watched in horror the ferocity of such attacks. I watched men, women and children slaughtered, and though I tried to stay my soldiers' hands at the killing of children, they were too afraid of disobeying my father's orders that they were deaf to my entreaties. However, very seldom during those assaults did I see a Druid use magic to retaliate. If they employed magic at all, it was only in trying to escape, which increases the measure of my shame." Arthur cleared his throat. "There is nothing I can do to atone for my sins of the past, but I have made peace with the Druids. As long as they keep faith with me, these people remain under my protection, no matter what is decided at this council."

The whispering in the hall swelled like a great wave waiting to crash against the shore, but The King gave it no time to reach its crescendo.

"That is my decree, and if anyone breaks it, they will learn I can be my father's son!" Arthur proclaimed, sounding more like Uther than any in the hall had ever heard before.

"But I have had my say for now." Arthur turned and offered his hand to his wife. "I pray you listen to Queen Guinevere in polite... silence."

Grateful for Arthur's encouragement, Gwen rose and smoothed down the silk of her overdress. She wasn't sure why she felt nervous, since she had often addressed the court when Arthur was away from Camelot.

This time felt different. Perhaps because the subject was too important for her to fail. In fact, she had asked Arthur if it was truly necessary that she should recount her experiences with magic, but both he and Merlin had assured her that having been enchanted by dark magic and cleansed by The White Goddess, her input was significant.

Steadily, she made her way to the front of the dais. Lifting her head high, she looked over the crowd to the widow's walk, the balcony high above the main entrance to the hall. There were knights stationed along its length, as once it had been used as an assassin's hide, though she could barely remember the attempt on her husband's life.

But she did hear Arthur clear his throat and his whispered, "Guinevere?"

She lowered her gaze, but the sea of faces staring at her, waiting for her to speak, nearly drove her from the room. Yet Arthur was relying on her, and she would not let him down... not in this.

"People of Camelot, I am sure you are aware that I was not always a queen, not even a daughter of a noble house. I am the child of Thomas the Smith; the owner of Camelot's finest forge," she said with pride, though she was conscious of Arthur's sideways glance. "Many here knew my father and the quality of his work. He was a good man who toiled hard to keep his family fed and clothed. Yet one time, and one time only, he accepted a commission from a stranger to Camelot, one who promised him a decent price for his labours. He did not realise the man was a sorcerer, and my father's only fault was that he did not question his new employer."

Behind The Queen, Arthur looked towards Merlin; what was Guinevere doing? Merlin shrugged to show Arthur he was just as puzzled. Neither of them noticed Gaius' lips narrow, nor his eyes water with sympathetic tears, afraid he knew exactly why Gwen had chosen this path.

"When my father discovered he was working for a sorcerer, it was already too late. Uther's guards broke into my father's forge and arrested him. My father acted foolishly, but he did not deserve to die, but Uther ordered him killed, as he did with all the others who consorted with sorcerers, knowingly or not. I'm sure many of you present know of innocents who were slaughtered under Uther's laws against magic. These laws must not stand any longer. King Arthur seeks to repeal them. It is the right thing to do and I beg you to support him."

Guinevere stepped back to her throne and sat down. Uncharacteristically, her head drooped on her long neck to stare at her lap, but not before Arthur had caught sight of the tears beading her lashes. It was so unlike Guinevere not to stick to their plan; his wife was hurting and he worried for her.

The atmosphere on the dais was growing fraught, and Gaius stepped quickly into the breach, hoping to distract The King and Merlin from studying Gwen.

"Nobles, Knights, and people of Camelot, you all know me as Court Physician and adviser to both King Arthur and his father Uther. I am an old man, and as I look around me, I see some others who remember a time before The Great Purge, when people with magic lived side-by-side in peace with people without magic. A time when magic healers were trusted to cure the ailments of the citizens.

People of magic are in tune with nature. They learn the properties of plants and herbs which grow from the earth, that which can help and that which can harm humans. Very often, when someone visited a magic healer with a minor ailment, they left with a concoction which any one of you could learn to produce if you had the desire, and the illness was healed. Magic was only deemed to be used if the injury or malady was life threatening. Most times it worked, but on occasion even magic failed..."

"And why was that?" Brennan interrupted Gaius angrily. "Could it be that the sorcerer used his knowledge of the plants that can harm humans and killed his patient?"

"Never that I knew of, but I suppose it is possible, or perhaps the healer was not so skilled in magic as another. Like any other trade, there are differences in abilities. Not all farmers produce great yields of grain, nor bakers the same quality of bread, nor seamstresses sew such straight seams. I cannot see into the heart of every man, whether they have magic or not. I only point out that before Uther decided sorcery was evil, most people trusted those who had magic."

There were a few cries of agreement from the body of the hall, mainly from older inhabitants, but one persistent voice shouted down the rest.

"If magic was so benign, why did our lord, King Uther, turn against it?" Brennan asked again. "He was a good man, so there must have been a reason for declaring it illegal and condemning every known sorcerer to death!"

At Brennan's statement, there were more loud words, this time of accord and many others nodded their heads.

Gaius seemed to grow older, as his shoulders rounded further and he turned to his king, one eyebrow quirking higher as he silently asked a question. But Arthur did not flinch. He, Gaius and Merlin had already discussed their plans and decided that all should be revealed. He gave his consent with a tiny wry smile, witnessed only by those on the rostrum.

"Yes, there was a reason," Gaius answered slowly. "A tragic reason, known to a very few who are still alive." But Gaius stopped, unwilling to go on. "Arthur, my lord, are you sure you want me to continue?" he asked with some desperation.

"Yes, Gaius. It is time my people knew the truth behind The Great Purge, and you are the only person left who was party to the arrangement. Please, continue."

It took Gaius a few seconds to compose himself, then he started talking...

"It concerned the marriage of King Uther and the Lady Ygraine du Bois. As many of you know, theirs was a happy marriage, but as the years went by and no child appeared, it became apparent that Queen Ygraine was barren, since Uther had fathered children elsewhere. Uther grew more desperate as time passed. He needed an heir to continue his royal line of The Pendragons, yet he loved his wife and he was loath to put her from him.

As I mentioned before, at this time, sorcerers were welcome in Camelot, and Uther had friends amongst their number, myself included. He came to me with his problem of a childless marriage and asked if there was a way in which magic could remedy his dilemma. I myself did not have the power to aid him, but I knew of a High Priestess of the Old Religion who might have an answer for him. Indeed the lady was known to Uther, and had been a guest of the royal couple on a few occasions.

He invited her to Camelot once more, and asked me to say nothing of his plans to anyone. When Nimueh arrived, he contrived to have a conversation with her with only myself and one of her assistants present. It was during this talk that Nimueh and Uther struck a bargain which would gain Uther his treasured heir."

Gaius halted again, and it seemed as if he might collapse, yet when Arthur moved to support him, he raised his hand to halt The King.

"I'm sorry, Sire. I find reliving these memories very distressing, and I know you must feel the same. If I might have a drink of water, I am sure I can continue."

Arthur gave Gaius the requested drink from his own hands, and stayed close to the old man.

"Thank you, my boy." Gaius patted Arthur's hand; the two united in grief no longer king and subject. "Nimueh wove her enchantment in private, and an elixir was poured secretly into Ygraine's wine, but before the deed was done, Nimueh did warn Uther that the balance of nature would have to be redressed, and that to create a life another must be taken. I want it on record that I witnessed that warning. However, I also believe that neither Uther nor Nimueh dreamt that Ygraine would pay the price."

Here, Gaius glanced at the boy by his side, but the only signs Arthur gave of torment was a paling of his skin, the tightening of his jaw.

"The Queen was soon with child, and I had never seen a couple so happy. The whole kingdom rejoiced with them. Nimueh became a frequent visitor to Camelot and she was held in high esteem by Uther."

"I attended Ygraine at the birth, and I am sorry to say that The Queen had a very difficult travail." Gaius spoke more softly, and the people in the hall leaned closer to hear the end of the tail. Yet the old physician had forgotten the room full of witnesses, solely addressing the boy he had cared for since that day. "Arthur, your mother loved you from the moment I placed you in her arms. She knew she was dying. We could not staunch the bleeding, you see, but not once did she regret giving her life for you. She made your father and myself promise to care for you with all our strength, then she slipped slowly away. Her last kiss was for you, Arthur. Your mother was a wonderful lady."

Into the silence which had fallen over the hall, Brennan threw a question. "And what of this High Priestess, Nimueh? If she was such a friend of Camelot, why did she not come to save The Queen?"

Brennan was beginning to anger Gaius and with a fortitude he did not know he possessed, he swung on the noble. "I cannot answer for a High Priestess, and one who is now dead, killed by Merlin, I might add. Uther did send for her, but Ygraine was already gone by the time she arrived. I doubt it would have made a difference; there was nothing she could have done... to create a life, a life must be taken. I am told it is a written law of the Old Religion, and Nimueh insisted that the life lost was random.

Needless to say, Uther was driven mad with despair. He raged at Nimueh, blamed her for his wife's death, even though he too was complicit. He mourned alone for days, and when he emerged from his chambers, he was a changed man. All sorcerers were ordered to leave Camelot on pain of death. I myself made ready to leave, but he came to me, giving me permission to remain as court physician, mainly to take care of his motherless son, if I promised to renounce magic forever. I was given a day to decide, yet I needed no time at all." Again Gaius focused on Arthur. "I had made a promise to your mother, you see, and it was one I intended to keep to my dying day... still do, though perhaps that time is not so far away now."

"No, Gaius. Never say so. Camelot needs you. I need you," Arthur replied, with a small but heartfelt smile.

"Why the gods would we need an old man who is a sorcerer?" Brennan sneered, his self-justification building as he felt the support of those around him. "And are we to accept this mythical story of his as the truth? He admits he was the only person present when Uther struck the bargain with this High Priestess - a woman who proved to be an enemy of Camelot for many years. I for one do not believe Uther would make such a deal. He hated sorcery and everything it stood for!"

"No, he did not!" Cedric, with Amena at his side, pushed his way to confront Brennan Avebury. "Uther was once my friend, and I was often in Camelot and know that Gaius speaks the truth. You, on the other hand, were fighting wars over The Narrow Sea, while making yourself rich on the bounty of those you vanquished. You speak of a time you only know by hearsay."

"Are you accusing my grandfather of lying? Choose your answer carefully, for I will call you out!"

"Enough of this!" Arthur demanded, his voice like thunder as he descended the steps. "You are both in danger of being escorted from this hall." Truthfully, Arthur didn't want to lose Cedric from the proceedings, but he had to appear to be even-handed.

"Forgive me, Sire," Cedric was quick to apologise. "I meant no slur on the late Lord of Avebury. I was perhaps too hasty in my speech. I only meant that Brennan was not present in Albion at the time we speak of."

"Your apology is accepted, Lord Walton, and if your liege-lord can accept the apology, I expect no less of you, Lord Avebury."

Brennan realised he had been backed into a corner. He was not happy, but he bowed his head to The King. "Yes, Sire."

"Then we will continue with setting out the points for future debate," Arthur said, turning to remount the stairs, but he was halted by a fragile female voice.

"Please, Sire, I have something to add to Gaius's statement. Something of great import," Lady Amena said in little more than a whisper, and as one the crowd craned their necks to see who had spoken.

"Lady Amena, you are sure this is something that cannot be held back till later?" Arthur asked, kindly, though he was inwardly disheartened. This meeting was dragging on much longer than they'd planned.

"I can verify Gaius's account, because I too was present at that fateful meeting," Amena's whisper was meant for The King's ear only, and her eyes held fast to his gaze.

Arthur frowned. "But that would mean..."

"Yes, Sire. I have magic," she almost mouthed the last words.

Shock blanched Arthur's face. This was a day full of surprises! Nevertheless, he quickly schooled his expression, as he spotted Brennan edging closer, intent on eavesdropping. That would not be a good thing. Arthur recognised an enemy when he saw one, and one, he suspected, whose motives were more than a hatred of sorcery. He would have to question Leon about his uncle, but not yet.

Herding the older couple up to the dais, he addressed the gathering again.

"It appears this session of the Grand Council has exceeded its time limit, and I'm sure you must all be weary. I know my mind needs time to process all I have already heard." Arthur saw empathetic gestures amongst the crowd, sympathisers who understood it could not have been easy to listen to the origins of his creation and birth spoken of in public. "Therefor, I command a recess. My servants will furnish you with food and drink, and you may take some exercise if you so need in the palace corridors and courtyard. The upper floors, hosting the royal chambers, however, are off limits. "We will reconvene... two hours before sundown."

Arthur hoped that would give enough time for the knights and Merlin to have their say, and also the additional witness account of Amena. He suspected dinner would be served a little late this evening, and made a note to tell Guinevere to inform the kitchen staff. With the thought of Guinevere came the reminder of her unexpected change of topic and the sense of anxiety it had brought him.

But for the present, he had other things to worry about, and he led the group from the dais out of the great hall and up the stairs to... where should they go to avoid being disturbed? Then his destination popped directly into his mind, sent by Merlin.

'Your father's chambers? They have remained unused since his death.'

'How apt, Merlin. So be it! Where else should we discuss his bargain with Nimueh?'

That is this week's offering and I hope you have enjoyed it, and found it contained a few surprises. I have decided to give Merlin and Arthur the ability to talk to each other telepathically, mostly given Merlin's abilities, but also the fact that Arthur was saved by magic and was born of magic... so perhaps he does have some faint echoes of magic embedded in his soul.

Please review and tell me your thoughts on this chapter.