Author's Notes: Once again Friday has come round too soon but I am still ahead of this story, at the moment. I do not want to disappoint my readers by not sticking to my schedule.

Again, thank you so much for taking time to post reviews. Thanks to my new reviewer and I can't forget those of you who are faithfully leaving reviews. When life is fraught, you make my day! But I can't leave out the people who are following and favouriting my story either. Thank you, but I'd love to hear from you though. :)

Chapter Fourteen

An Unlikely Revelation

On the way to the old king's abode, Merlin watched his three friends closely. Truth to tell, he was more than a little stressed himself. He'd been certain that by this time in the proceedings, he would have already played his part, announcing to all of Camelot that he was the Warlock, Emrys. That his destiny had and always would be to use his magic to protect The King and Queen and everyone who resided in Camelot, who needed defending from sorcerers or ordinary villains.

And he would do so, even if the debate went against him and he was sent into exile. Of course, it would make keeping them safe more difficult if done from a distance, but nevertheless, he would abide by the decision of the Great Council.

But the meeting had not gone as planned at all, and Arthur had called a break for refreshments and, hopefully, time to deliberate. Judging by the uncertain mood of the crowd, most people were sorely in need of both.

Now he watched Gaius as he climbed the stairs sluggishly, with a grimace of pain. He was an old man, and he hadn't deserved the malicious harangue he'd received from Lord Avebury. Thankfully, Arthur had stepped in to save Gaius, which was just as well, as Merlin was afraid his first open act of magic would have been to turn Avebury into a toad!

However, Merlin could content himself that Gaius was a tough old bird, and he'd dealt with miscreants like Brennan Avebury many times before... and out of the rant had come a very unexpected development, which had forced Arthur to adjourn the proceedings.

His eyes went next to Gwen, because there was no denying that she looked troubled. Was she upset at the retelling of the story of a barren queen whose husband had been forced to use sorcery to gain himself an heir? Gwen and Arthur were still childless, and he knew Guinevere blamed herself. But he doubted she was anxious for that reason alone because Gwen had chosen to discard the script entirely, before Gaius had spoken a word. There must be something else causing her alarm, and Merlin decided to get to the bottom of her reasons as soon as this interminable day ended. He was also aware that Arthur was clueless about her motives, and just as worried as he.

They'd reached the doors to Uther's chambers, and as Arthur clumsily searched through the heavy keyring, looking for the correct key to open the door, Merlin incanted a spell, his eyes flashed gold, momentarily, and the double doors swung open.

Looking up with raised eyebrows, Arthur stared Merlin down.

"Sorry. It just seemed quicker!" Merlin replied to Arthur's unspoken query. "By the way, would you like to send for refreshments to be delivered here? We could all use something, and I know George is the soul of discretion."

At that, Gwen appeared to rouse herself. "No, Merlin, it's fine. That is my job, and besides I'm sure I need to tell the kitchen staff to prepare dinner a little later tonight."

"Clever Guinevere," Arthur said, grinning and placed a kiss on her forehead, glad to see his wife had shaken off her malaise. "If you would be so kind, but find a guard and relay the message. I don't want you running yourself ragged over this Grand Council thing, and I'd rather have you back here sooner rather than later."

The Queen disappeared back down the stairs, while the rest of the group entered the room, where Merlin realised he was mostly concerned for Arthur, since The King stood entirely still, trying to hide the fact he was holding a hand to his chest.

Uther's chambers were tended, but somewhat infrequently. There was a strange atmosphere of decay in the rooms, as if they had been frozen in time like the effigy of Uther now resting in Camelot's burial vaults.

After a moment, Arthur recovered and wandered over to his father's table, drawing a hand down the wood, causing a cloud of dust motes to rise and shimmer in the rays of the afternoon sun. The large chambers had many windows which faced different aspects of the citadel: Uther, a spider at the centre of his web.

The dust spread, drifting around Arthur's head, clogging his nose and throat, and suddenly he was coughing again; a hoarse, painful bark. With a short spell, Merlin moved a chair out for Arthur, and he sank, like a puppet without its strings, onto the cushioned seat.

"Ex... cuse me," he wheezed between coughs. "Th... anks, Mer...lin."

But Gaius had come prepared, and pulled two small bottles from the deep pockets of his robe, placing them in front of The King.

"Your tincture, my boy, and a new one I have prepared," Gaius addressed Arthur in the more familial way, deciding he would be less likely to baulk at the extra medicine from the man who had looked after him for all of his life. "It should be more effective in clearing your lungs."

Arthur didn't demur, but he did throw the physician a long-suffering look, before draining both vials. The complimentary nostrums did their job, and the cough settled down to a level which was easier for Arthur to control.

"Is The King still unwell?" Amena asked, her voice a little more confident now she was in a smaller company.

There was a painful silence, which Merlin quickly filled. "I'm afraid King Arthur is still suffering from the result of his injury," he said airily, in a tone that suggested it was only a passing weakness. "But, given the mood of the crowd down there," and he gestured with his head to the floors below them. "It's probably best that news doesn't become public knowledge."

"Of course not," Cedric reassured the group. "We would never reveal what was said to us in private, and certainly nothing that would harm King Arthur."

"You have our word on that, Sire," Amena added her pledge. "Yet, I think we are not here to discuss The King's ailments, but my admission."

Again there was another pause as the door opened and Guinevere slipped into the room. "It seems George had already set your instructions in motion regards dinner, though he was wondering where to deliver our repast. He says he will bring it himself, so that we can remain private."

"I never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness for George." Arthur swallowed another cough as he spoke, unwilling to cause Guinevere more worry, but she seemed not to notice. "The man might be the world's biggest bore, but he is discreet..."

"And efficient! I could never match him." Merlin laughed, bringing a smile to Arthur's face. There was a tapping at the door, and Percival moved to open it, only to find George with a very large tray of food, and balancing a jug of wine in the crook of his arm. "He's fast too."

"You could almost swear he knew how to travel through time," Arthur agreed, then fell silent as George set the tray on the table, allowing Percival to carry the jug.

"Shall I serve, Sire?" George asked, his stance erect as any of the palace guards.

"No thank you, George. I think we can manage that ourselves," Arthur replied. "But thank you for your prompt service, and for your discretion."

George bowed stiffly from the waist. "It is my duty to serve you, Sire, and do not fear that you shall be interrupted. I have instructed the guards to stop anyone else from venturing down this corridor."

Arthur and Guinevere both smiled, and George, his duty over, left the chamber.

Without thinking, Gwen rose and went round the table filling goblets and offering some food to her guests. Everyone accepted the wine, but apart from Leon, Percival and Merlin, no one felt like eating, though Gwen did persuade Arthur to take a morsel of cheese, and she did partake a little herself.

Only when Guinevere was seated did Arthur notice her glance around the room, as if she expected to see his father's ghost, lurking in the corners. He didn't exactly feel comfortable here either, but he shrugged off his unease and turned to Amena.

"Now, Amena, did my ears deceive me in the hall, or did you say... you have magic?"

"I did, Sire, and it's true, once I had magic, but I have not practiced it in nigh on forty years, even before your father declared it against the law. To tell the truth, I wasn't a very successful sorcerer." Amena blushed as she spoke. She folded her hands modestly in her lap and continued recounting her experiences with sorcery. "My family were minor land-owners, and I was the youngest of five sisters, and not the prettiest, so they sent me to The Isle of The Blessed to be taught how to practice magic, but I was not a good student, and after a few years I was sent home. They only kept the most proficient young girls to train, you see, and Nimueh and Morgause, though younger than myself, were by far the most talented students. I could tell they would one day become High Priestesses."

"You knew Nimueh and Morgause?" Arthur asked, somewhat shocked that this plain, diminutive, elderly lady had such a colourful history. Yet he also knew, from earlier conversations, that Amena could be quite formidable when she so chose.

"I never really got to know Morgause. She was a very young child when she was brought to the Isle, and high born, so she was housed with the Priestesses and their chosen acolytes. Nimueh was one of those, though she was more friendly to the lesser students, and to me in particular. I think she felt sorry for me, and she tried to make my life easier. She was a much kinder person back then. She hadn't yet become the vengeful Priestess you all know of. I actually think she was sad when I was sent away because I hadn't reached the desired standard."

"Did you know about your wife's past?" Arthur asked of Cedric.

"Yes, Sire," Cedric had turned pale, though a high colour remained over his cheekbones. "Both Amena and I were a little older than normal when we wed, but we met and fell in love; a feeling which both of us believed had passed us by. Since she was honest with me, and had forsaken magic, I saw no impediment to taking her to wife. Besides, sorcery was not yet a crime then. And though we have had our share of tragedy, I have never regretted marrying her," he ended on a slightly defiant note, as he covered her thin hand with his own.

"I'm sorry, Cedric," Arthur said quickly, feeling he had sounded less than tactful. "I did not mean to hurt or insult either you or Amena. Your friendship and support has been most welcome." Arthur looked at Guinevere and smiled, though his expression was tinged with a strange yearning. "I hope our marriage lasts as long and be as happy as yours and Amena's. But I digress. Please continue, Amena."

Amena smiled back, but the little magic she retained tingled at the bitter-sweet look the younger couple exchanged. There was something troubling them, which they did not wish to share with anyone with whom they were not completely at ease. She did not blame them. The royal couple had enemies a plenty, but she hoped that once she earned their trust, they might confide in her. Amena sensed that Guinevere was certainly in need of someone to talk to, and who better than an old lady who had experienced a lot of life's traumas.

But for now, she chose to address Arthur, and hopefully assure him she and Cedric could be relied upon. "Time passed, and Cedric, who had always been a friend to Uther, was made a councillor. Though we had our ancestral home, we decided to live in Camelot for most of the year, and it was here that Nimueh and I renewed our friendship."

"Is that why you were a witness to the pact between my father and Nimueh?" Arthur scowled, as though even talking about the deed left a sour taste in his mouth.

Ever attuned to people's moods, Amena knew this young man had still not come to terms with what he saw as his father's betrayal of his mother, and her confessions could only make that matter worse. Yet she had embarked upon this journey of her own volition and now she had to see it through. Besides, in the end, it might help Arthur and Merlin's current plans.

"It was, Sire. There was increasing talk amongst the council suggesting Uther put Ygraine aside and remarry, but that your father refused to do. Instead, he sent for Nimueh with all speed. I believe he must have made his decision and decided to plough ahead quickly. I don't think he wanted to give himself time to change his mind, but I wasn't a confident of The King, so I can only surmise." Amena fell silent, her mind reliving that meeting, so charged with emotion, longing and... dread.

"Can you tell me what happened, Amena?" Arthur controlled his anger which seethed in his gut. This lady was not to blame for what happened. Like Gaius, she had only been a witness, and probably a coerced one.

"I was summoned to Uther's presence. To tell the truth, I was very surprised to be called to see The King on my own and in a slightly clandestine manner. Cedric and Uther might have been close, but my friendship was more with Ygraine than with your father. I think he found me somewhat spiritless, and I wasn't at all beautiful. Your father had an eye for beautiful women... though I believe he was mostly faithful to Ygraine."

Arthur groaned aloud. He'd learned for himself that 'mostly' was the pertinent word in Amena's last statement.

"Sorry," he said, blushing slightly. "I did not mean to interrupt."

Amena sent him an understanding smile, but went on recounting her tale. "I was surprised to find myself with just The King, Nimueh and Gaius, and even more shocked when I learned what the meeting was about. I knew Nimueh had the skill to fulfil his request, but to create a spell which would bring forth a babe would require powerful magic, and the risks were greater still." Here Amena faltered, searching Arthur's face for signs that he was coping with her revelations, but his expression was blank, and his eyes hooded. "I couldn't believe Uther would gamble with a life so carelessly."

Arthur's head snapped up. "Are you saying he knew my mother would die?"

"No. Not necessarily. But Nimueh did warn him that someone would die. Perhaps being a woman who had gone through childbirth, I instinctively thought of your mother. Yet I must give Uther his due; he did ask Nimueh who would pay with his life, but she could not tell him. Fate is fickle, and no one can know everyone's destiny, not even a High Priestess. But I believe your father was too arrogant to consider it might be Ygraine. When she died, there was no denying his anguish... or his guilt. And I never once heard him blame you, Arthur. You were the one person who he always loved."

"But he took his guilt out on innocent people, when he himself was culpable," Arthur growled, releasing his outrage and hurt.

"I believe it was the only way he could carry on, by transferring his self-recrimination onto others," Amena agreed, her voice filled with sorrow and compassion for the boy born of magic at the cost of his mother's life. "But, Arthur, you are blameless. I too saw Ygraine before she died. You brought her more joy in those last hours than she had felt in her entire life."

"Thank you for that," Arthur said, trying to reel in his wrath for the man he had respected for most of his life, but who he had since learned was, in one terrible aspect, a hypocrite and a tyrant. Yet Uther had been his father, and though a harsh judge at times, he didn't doubt Amena's assurance that his father had loved him. "I think my father was a little insane," he admitted in a whisper.

"It's what I saw too." Cedric spoke up. "I watched him after your mother's death, and I think he became unhinged. I grew afraid for Amena as Uther ordered countless searches for Nimueh. Of course, he never found her, but when he turned his attention on other sorcerers, I feared for Amena. She had once been a novice of magic, and she had been a witness to the fatal bargain..."

"Though I swore an oath of secrecy, and I have kept that promise to this day," Amena quickly added. "I wouldn't have spoken now, but I felt Gaius and you, Sire, deserved a friend."

"Again I am in your debt, but I'm amazed my father never ordered your execution."

"Perhaps for the same reasons he never prosecuted Gaius," Cedric mused. "I was his close friend. We had trained to be knights together, myself, Uther and Gorlois, though I never had their prowess with a sword. Yet I admit I didn't fully rely on that friendship, because I retired from the council and took Amena away."

Gaius considered for a moment before speaking. "You know, Uther forgot Amena was present. His hatred was centred totally on Nimueh. But, nevertheless, Cedric, I believe you were right to leave. Uther was unpredictable. He turned on anyone he suspected of witchcraft."

"We sought refuge with relatives in the North for a long time, and when we did return we stayed away from court. We concentrated on our lands and our children, and even when they became sick, I ignored Amena's pleas to find a Druid healer. I made the excuse that I wouldn't break the laws of the land, but, truthfully, I was afraid to attract Uther's attention back to Amena, and so our children died..."

"It seems my father's bargain and my birth cast a terrible shadow over this land and one which I am now sworn to remove... with the help of Merlin..."

"Not just Merlin, Arthur," Gwen cut in, taking hold of his hand.

"I know, Guinevere." Arthur smiled, but the dark circles beneath his eyes proved he was tiring. "I know I have the support of everyone in this room, with the exception of Leon, perhaps?"

"Sire, if I could be sure that all sorcerers were as honourable as those in this room, you would have my unconditional backing," Leon said.

"But that's just it, Leon," Merlin answered, shaking his head. "Regretfully, we know quite a few who aren't, which is why we need to put safeguards in place before we open Camelot's gates to all magical beings. That's if the Grand Council decide in our favour."

"But if they learn magic is legalised, surely people with sorcery won't need to attack us any more, " Guinevere suggested, characteristically, believing the best of people.

"A lot might choose peace, but there could be those still wanting revenge for past transgressions." Arthur took a drink of water. He would rather have tipped the water jug over his head. Now was not the time to feel weary, he knew they had to return to the hall. He stood, and everyone else rose too. But before Arthur moved toward the door, he stared directly at Gaius and Amena. "There is one question I have to ask. Did my mother know about my father's bargain?"

"No. Never!" Gaius declared. "As Amena said, there were only four people privy to that information, and none of us told anyone. I doubt even Nimueh spoke of it. The other High Priestesses would not have approved of the bargain."

"Arthur, your mother was overjoyed when she found herself with child," Amena said, her sincerity deeply moving. "She bloomed like a flower all the time she carried you... and when you were born, she was so proud of her beautiful baby boy. Even when she realised she was dying, she never regretted having you, and I swear she never knew of Uther's plot."

"She died knowing you would live, Arthur," Gaius, remembering, held back the tears he wanted to shed. "She would have given her life ten times over to make sure you were safe."

At the thought of his mother's sacrifice, Arthur's eyes filled with tears, yet he would not let them fall. Not in public. He pushed his fist into his mouth, trying to still the sobs which threatened to overwhelm him. Guinevere pulled him into her arms, holding him close.

"Cry, Arthur. Cry it all out," she whispered, stroking his hair, knowing that his tears were a culmination of pain and exhaustion; sorrow for the past and worry for the future. "You do not always have to be brave."

At a look from Gwen, Merlin took charge. "I'm sorry, but could you all make your way to the great hall. I'm sure the crowds will be growing restive. Gwen and I will bring Arthur along as soon as we may."

"I will inform the public that Arthur is still recovering from the wound he took at Camlann, and needs some time alone to rest with his wife and physician," Geoffrey of Monmouth offered. He was proving to be a stalwart ally. "Don't fret, Sire, most of the nobles and commoners are aware you suffered a dreadful wound. They will not be surprised, nor will they disapprove of you taking time to rest."

"Thank you, Lord Geoffrey," Arthur forced out, slowly gaining control of his emotions.

"And, Sire, don't worry about my uncle." This time it was Sir Leon who assured his friend. "I will make certain he makes no more mischief while you are slightly incommoded."

The King nodded as Merlin shepherded the group out of the room, thanking each quietly and sending them off to keep order amongst those waiting below.

Once the door was shut, he turned back to his friends. "Arthur, are you unwell or upset?"

Arthur lifted his head from Gwen's shoulder and grinned mirthlessly, wiping the moisture from his eyes. "A little of both, very tired and a whole lot infuriated." Arthur couldn't help but lean on his slender wife, yet Gwen was strong.

"Perhaps you should lie down, Arthur," Guinevere said gently, but almost recoiled as Arthur's answer exploded from him.

"Never!"

"Arthur!" Merlin rebuked him, noticing Gwen's shocked reaction.

"Sorry." Arthur smoothed his wife's cheek apologetically. "And don't worry, Merlin, I'm not about to go chasing after anyone with a sword. The only people responsible for this diabolical mess are dead. Not to mention, I doubt I could lift a sword right now. But I will never spend a moment of time in that bed." Arthur pointed to his father's huge, silk hung four-poster. "Do not ask me to." The last declaration was midway between an order and a plea.

"Can you manage to walk to your own room?" Merlin asked again, completely understanding how his friend was feeling. He doubted Uther would ever rise again in his son's estimation, though the heart is a strange thing, and Arthur would always feel some love for his father. Loyalty was one of Arthur's more commendable virtues, a trait which Merlin shared completely. Though they might be different in many ways, in the important characteristics they were of the same coin.

"If you and Guinevere will give me your arms, I think I might not fall down." And this time the glimmer of a smile in Arthur's eyes was sincere.

How did you like this week's offering? Are you liking my original characters and my interpretation of some of those who had supporting roles in the show. I felt that I'd like to give a little more emphasis to these characters, but I don't want them to steal the spotlight from Merlin, Arthur and Gwen. I hope I am getting the balance right. Love to know if you agree. :)