Author's notes: Just a quick apology for missing last Friday. This chapter is a little longer and I hope it makes up for the wait.

I also have to say sorry for not replying to all the reviews. I did have a very busy, but enjoyable time over New Year. Instead, I'd like to thank everyone who left a review. To those of you who keep reviewing the chapters, I am so grateful. You have kept me on track and I have needed encouragement to write in these last 9 months or so. I can't believe I began posting this story last May. You have all been very patient.

To the guests who reviewed the last chapter, I do thank you. I won't quit until I have typed the final 'The End'. I've never posted a story which I did not finish. Btw, this is my first Merlin story.

To the guest who was a little worried about the last chapter, I hope that you will be satisfied with the final chapters. I'd be interested to hear what you think of this next part because I too like to keep a certain amount of realism in my stories, even though this is a tale about two legendary figures who might never have lived.

What am I saying! Of course, Merlin and Arthur lived once, long long ago... in a land of myth and a time of magic. Please enjoy.

Chapter Thirty

The Calm Before The Storm

The hours of the afternoon and evening dragged by slowly... sombrely, as did the snake-like queues of voters crammed into the castle courtyard, winding up the stairs to the great hall to place their vote.

At first, Arthur and his entourage had spent time amongst those waiting, had even visited the people of the town, but gradually they had made their way back to the haven of the royal apartments. There a meal was served to them around the dinner hour, yet hardly any of the party had much of an appetite.

"Gwaine would have wolfed this down," Merlin said reflectively, trying to lighten the mood. "No matter what danger we faced, he always loved to eat."

"I miss him too, Merlin. We all do," Arthur replied sincerely, interrupting his pacing to rest a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We could certainly do with some of his humour now." He dropped into his seat and laid his head back. His skin was sallow and Merlin noticed there were beads of moisture on his forehead.

"Arthur, are you feeling well?" he asked, quickly waving Gaius over as The King's eyelids drooped, reminding Merlin of one of the most scary moments of his life when it seemed Arthur's eyes might close forever.

The old physician pushed himself off the chest at the end of the bed and moved stiffly to his king.

"Gaius, are you feeling ill too?" Merlin's voice had an edge of apprehension about it. After all, his guardian was an old man and these were trying times.

"No, my boy. I'm just tired," Gaius reassured his erstwhile protégé, who had long since outgrown his tutelage. "It's just been a very long day. In fact, each day has been very long since Camlann."

"Tell me about it!" Arthur commented, without opening his eyes. Though he sounded weary there was the hint of a chuckle in his tone.

Moving over the floor silently, Gwen had gone to fetch Arthur's medicine. "Here, Arthur. It's time to take your potion."

"Yes... and I'd give him an extra dose of the other to sustain his energy," Merlin suggested, his eyes incandescent as he whispered another spell, retrieving a vial from the side table.

"Thanks, Merlin." Arthur took the small bottle from Guinevere's hands and knocked it back before holding out his hand for the next remedy. "I think you take pleasure in torturing me."

Merlin's smile beamed. "Too true! And you'd better get used to it because I have ten years of insults to avenge."

Finishing off the second dose, Arthur swiped his hand across his lips. "You know, some might call that treason!" He pointed his index finger in his warlock's chest, but he also grinned. "However, compared to Avebury, I think I can overlook your transgressions. Yet be careful. Who knows when my patience might run out," he said airily. "I believe the stocks haven't been used for a fair amount of time."

"Arthur!" Guinevere admonished. "Would you two stop acting like a couple of children."

Gaius, now seated at the table by Arthur's side, offered a faint smile. "Don't scold them, Your Highness. They're only letting off steam. Allow me, Sire?" He placed his hand on his sovereign's brow. "You do seem to have a slight temperature, Arthur. Nothing serious," he reassured. "Probably just stress."

"He's going to be stressed out a lot more once he rides out to join the army!" For once, Guinevere couldn't restrain a hint of anxious anger.

"Guinevere!" Arthur warned gently. "Let's take one problem at a time. The result of the vote is worrying enough for now."

"Might I say, Sire, that I don't think you need to be anxious." Gaius attempted to cast oil on troubled waters. "Not if your reception at the end of the debate is anything to go by... nor by the way you were received in the city. Your people love you."

"And Merlin," Arthur added, smiling at the treatment his friend enjoyed now that his position was recognised. The idiot had probably been helping people on the quiet ever since he'd come to Camelot, and risking Uther's wrath in doing so. How Merlin had managed to keep his head was a mystery and modesty prevented him from admitting that he might have been instrumental in ensuring his servant's safety over the years. Though there was no doubt Merlin had returned that favour countless times over. "I'm beginning to suspect a lot of people are in your debt."

"Nah! I'm just a very likeable fellow," Merlin teased, happy for the opportunity to lift the spirits of his friends.

"It amazes me how easily pleased some people can be!" Arthur laughed, deciding to go along with Merlin's lighter mood.

But their jocularity was short lived when there was a rap on the door announcing the entrance of a guard.

"Sire, there is a man here who wishes to speak to you and Lord Merlin on a subject of great urgency, he says." The soldier snapped to attention awaiting instructions.

In a split second, Arthur changed from fool to commander. "Who is this man? Does he have a name?"

The guard held his stance, but it was clear he was discomfited. "Sir King, he was here a few nights since and he says his name is Gilli!"

"Gilli has returned?" Merlin exchanged a troubled glance with Arthur.

"Bring him in," Arthur commanded. "And, Rys, Gilli is a friend, but thank you for your caution. In these uncertain times it is wise to be vigilant."

Within seconds, a very crumpled and harassed Gilli entered the royal chambers almost reeling with fatigue. Merlin caught his arm as he made to bow before The King.

"Forget the bow, Gilli," Arthur said, moving quickly to take Gilli's other arm. Between Arthur and Merlin, he was helped to a seat while Gaius poured a tankard of water, placing it on the table in front of the exhausted sorcerer. "Drink first and talk later," Arthur finished, suppressing his impatience. Clearly, Gilli had travelled far and fast.

Greedily, Gilli drank down the water, blotting his mouth with his sleeve and breathing heavily. "Thank you, Sire." He took a second gulp. "I've come straight from Helva."

"Helva? Yeah gods! You must be more tired than I first suspected," Arthur pulled out a chair and sat down next to his new subject. "That's quite a distance to cover in a couple of days."

"What were you doing in Helva, Gilli?" Merlin asked, solicitude spilling out of every pore.

"Following Daman. He went to Helva to hire an assassin. Didn't William tell you?" Gilli said, his tone rising anxiously. In truth, he'd no idea whether William had made it back to the castle safely. Avebury could've intercepted him. "He did reach you, didn't he?"

Merlin laid a soothing hand on Gilli's shoulder. "Yes! He did... and he explained what you'd overheard."

"He also told us you were tracking Avebury's man," Arthur added, his forearm resting along the table edge while he resisted the urge to drum his fingers.

"Which is why I ended up in Helva. Daman was instructed to hire a killer who was also a sorcerer and Helva is the perfect place for that," Gilli explained, continuing rather self-consciously. "Especially ones who have a grudge against the Pendragons... excuse me, Sire. I mean no offence."

"And none taken," Arthur said, rolling his eyes. "It's probably what I'd have done myself. Did Daman succeed?"

"He did." Gilli worried his bottom lip as he looked slightly askance at The King. He wasn't exactly at ease addressing royalty any more than was William.

"Gilli, tell us," Merlin prompted with an encouraging smile. "I promise Arthur won't shoot the messenger. Do you know who?"

"I do!" The young sorcerer, who was the focus of every gaze in the room, squirmed a little before straightening his back to reply. "The killer is a man called Alvarr. A sorcerer with a fierce reputation."

"We know him. Arthur, do you remember?" Merlin asked, dismayed that Arthur's life was again at risk, but thankful they now knew who to look out for. "In your father's day, he led a band of Druid rebels."

"Indeed!" Arthur mused, his mind drifting back through the years. "He had the audacity to break into Camelot's vaults to steal the Crystal of Neathid, but we caught up with him and his gang later. He was sentenced to die, but someone helped him escape from our dungeons." Arthur's mobile mouth turned down at the corners. "No prizes now for guessing who that was... Morgana!"

"If it's any consolation, Sire, neither Merlin nor I believe she'd turned completely against you at that point," Gaius inferred mildly. "She was confused about her magic... and scared of what might happen to her if Uther found out. Alvarr turned her head..."

"I understand, Gaius. But I still can't conceive why she didn't come to me." Arthur's brows knit together in a frown as confusion drove him to his feet. "I might not have approved, but I would never have let anything bad happen to her. I don't think my father would have either... yet I'd hardly bet my life on that. When it came to sorcery he was fixated and totally ruthless. But would he have executed his own daughter?"

At the stark question, the atmosphere in the chamber filled with dread speculation, till Arthur bestirred himself again, changing the painful subject. "Gilli, you must be exhausted. We thank you for your efforts, but you need to rest now. Your job is done."

"Sire, please, I would still like to help." Gilli stood and placed himself in front of his chosen sovereign. "Alvarr must be close behind me and you need people you can trust... and, if I may say, magic is best fought with magic. Perhaps a change of clothing and something to eat and I can be back on duty, helping to protect you."

Again Arthur's winning smile dawned slowly on his face. "Thank you, Gilli. I've heard that maxim before. Go now and see to your own needs. When you're ready to serve, Merlin and I will be grateful for your help."

The company watched Gilli leave while a feeling of strain settled upon each of them, but it was Gwen who first voiced her thoughts. "Will we ever be free of enemies seeking to kill Arthur?" Her voice cracked with emotion. "Arthur is the best, the most caring king Camelot has ever had. Why can't people see that?"

"Peace, Guinevere!" Arthur wrapped his arms protectively around his wife, though he couldn't help but peruse the same questions.

"Most people do, Gwen," Merlin said, his voice strong with a mixture of sympathy and conviction. "It's just that a few of them covet Arthur's position and power."

A harsh bark of laughter escaped Arthur's throat and Gwen felt it resonating against her cheek. "Hah! Right at this moment I'd say they're welcome to it." He quickly dropped a kiss on his wife's upturned face. "That farm is looking good to me." Once upon a time he had day-dreamed with Gwen about leaving Camelot and his responsibilities. "What say you, my sweet, would you like to be a farmer's wife? Of course, Merlin will have to come along, since I'm not totally fit I'll need a hand with the heavy work."

"No change there then!" Merlin quipped, releasing the tension that was in all their hearts and everyone laughed whole-heartedly. Yet Merlin's smile diminished quickly. "Speaking of Morgana, Arthur... have you decided what to do with her?"

At once, the room was plunged back into gloom, as if the very hint of Morgana's twisted, haunted soul had stolen their light.

"No!" Arthur admitted with a grimace. "I haven't had time to give it much thought. If I'm honest, I haven't wanted to think about it, but I know I have to decide." He finished on a groan which seemed wrenched from the pit of his stomach. "She might want to kill me, but I can't forget that she was once my sister... and friend. Mind you, if we believe her, she no longer seeks my death."

"Can we trust that she's telling the truth?" Gaius voiced the thought in everyone's mind. "And even if she is, will she always remain benign?"

Arthur shrugged, turning towards Merlin. "You're the one with the crystals. What do you think?"

"I'm no more certain of that than you, though I doubt she is deceitful at present," Merlin said, staring directly at his king. "I'm sorry. It's not the advice you want, but I have nothing else to offer, except to say her magic is still fettered by Iseldir's and my own enchantments."

"If I chose to banish her, would these bonds remain in place from a distance?"

"Morgana had powerful magic," Merlin replied slowly, choosing his words carefully. "She was the last of the High Priestesses. I have no idea if we could control her forever, especially if you sent her away."

Arthur walked to the hearth where a fire burned sluggishly, now down to its last embers. Bending slowly, his efforts like those of a tired old man, he lifted a log and threw it on the flames, listening to it hiss and crackle as it caught alight. Tiny sparks ascended the chimney and were lost in its murk. After a moment, he dropped into his chair. "Gaius, can you offer us more enlightenment about Morgana?"

"I'm afraid not, Sire. High Priestesses are the ultimate power source of the Old Religion... Morgause taught her well and Morgana was a very apt pupil. Besides, it is possible that in Morgause's passing, she transferred some of her own power to her sister."

"Yet you still maintain that Merlin is the most powerful warlock who has ever lived?" Arthur asked, seeking all the information he would need before making his decision on his sister's future.

"Indeed! But I believe there is one important difference," Gaius continued almost as if thinking aloud. "Merlin is the light to Morgana's darkness, which makes him less ruthless. Merlin seeks to build where Morgana seeks only to destroy."

"Not always, Gaius. He destroyed a mighty number of Saxons at Camlann," Arthur said with the smallest hint of a rueful smile. "And I was there when he killed Morgana... Well, thought he killed Morgana."

"I didn't want to Arthur," Merlin cut in quickly. "If there had been any other way..."

"You would have taken it," Arthur finished Merlin's sentence. "I know that. Do you think I don't realise you're only remorseless when you're protecting your friends? But all that means, if Morgana reverts to type, you and Iseldir might not be able to prevent her from reeking more havoc."

The old physician cleared his throat, saying with regret, "I'm afraid you've stated the case realistically, my lord."

Suddenly, Arthur shot up straight in his chair and turned to face the others. "Wait a minute! Merlin, you told me you were robbed of your magic totally before Camlann. How did that happen, and can't we use that method?"

"I was attacked by a giant slug called the gean canach which devours the magic of others." Merlin shivered as he recounted his tale, reliving the horrors of that night; the suffocating wetness of the creature as it sucked his magic from him, leaving him drained and hollow of everything which made him who he was. He shook himself free of the memory. "But using it is not an option. Gaius killed the creature and I have no idea where to find another, or if there even is another. Besides, I wouldn't subject my worst enemy to such a horrible experience."

"It's a pity Morgana didn't share your morals," Gaius said between ground teeth.

"So, taking all that into consideration, I can hardly banish her to become a thorn in the side of another realm," Arthur announced bleakly, massaging his right shoulder which had stiffened up during the day. He needed to find some way to train safely, otherwise he would become like a bent and arthritic old man.

Gwen came forward, asking reluctantly, "Will you order her execution then?"

"No, never!" Once more The King settled in his chair, his eyes closing for a second or two. When he opened them again, they were tinged with a strange mixture of pity and determination. "Perhaps some rulers would think she deserved the ultimate punishment, but I cannot bring myself to order her death. So, for the time being, I'd rather keep her under close watch. I know it means more work for you, Merlin, but I can't think of another answer for now."

"Don't worry, Arthur. I'm happy to do your bidding..."

Another loud knock shook the doors, interrupting Merlin's thoughts on Morgana's fate. Arthur and Merlin exchanged apprehensive looks. This could be it, the answer to their aspirations... their hopes for a new and united Albion. Merlin smiled and Arthur gave a decisive nod of his head. Prevarication was not an option.

Clearing his throat, The King pushed himself to his feet as he cried, "Enter!"

The doors opened to reveal Geoffrey of Monmouth with Lord and Lady Walton hard on his heels. All three were laughing.

"Your Highness, we come bringing momentous news. The votes have been counted and you and my lord Emrys have won a victory." Geoffrey of Monmouth drew himself erect and declared in dramatic tones, "Magic is no longer outlawed in your realm, Sire."

For a heartbeat, the silence was so complete a pin could be heard had it dropped in the chamber, then Arthur uttered a great whoop, while Merlin started laughing. The two friends met in the middle of the room and without hesitation they hugged, slapping each other's backs and chortling like crazy children, such was the relief they felt.

"Merlin, we won!" Arthur said on a laugh which combined amazement and happiness all at once. "You are now legally welcome in Camelot. No more hiding in the shadows."

The King held Merlin at arm's length watching a myriad of emotions cross Merlin's expressive face... relief and joy but underneath something akin to fear, as if he expected Geoffrey of Monmouth to suddenly change his statement.

Seeing Merlin's throat working to form words, but being for the moment struck dumb, Arthur asked the question he was sure was on the tip of Merlin's tongue. "And there is no doubt of the result? Avebury hasn't asked for a recount or anything such?"

Lord Cedric took up the telling. "Definitely not! There would be no point... the vote wasn't close. Sire, almost two-thirds of your kingdom voted to bring magic back to Camelot."

Both Arthur and Merlin were speechless and once again they fell to expressing their feelings by clapping each other on the arms and shoulders. Arthur even forbore to punch Merlin's arm. In the background Gwen and Gaius smiled tearfully at each other but didn't seek to interrupt the two men's celebrations. There would be plenty of time to join in.

"Sire, I hope you forgive my temerity but, when I heard the result of the vote, I immediately set the order for the festivities to commence," Geoffrey said with a fair amount of trepidation. "I hope I didn't do wrong."

Finally, Arthur broke away to address his worried seneschal. "Of course not, Lord Geoffrey. This is a time for rejoicing... but perhaps a time for humility too," Arthur said as his expression changed. He sent Guinevere a gentle smile, full of memories, while penitence settled like a heavy cloak over his bearing. "I fear I have not only to announce the result, but I must also apologise for the fact that it has taken me far too long to recognise magic is only as good or bad as the one who uses it. For too many years, I followed my father's orders with little thought, and even when I ascended the throne, I held to his decrees." Arthur's head and shoulders drooped, his sad eyes glazing over. "I'm not sure I deserve a second chance at life. Perhaps The Triple Goddess only spared me to see magic returned to the realm and Alvarr is her final instrument to take me to the spirit world."

At once Gwen moved, hurrying to her husband's side. "No, Arthur. Never think it!" She pulled him into her embrace, her voice muffled against his chest, yet everyone in the room heard her pain. "Surely The Triple Goddess could not be so cruel, to spare you to me only to snatch you away again."

"Ah, Guinevere," Arthur replied reflectively, "I doubt The Triple Goddess thinks so highly of me as you do. The Disir gave me a chance and I threw it back in their faces."

"You can't take sole responsibility for that decision, Arthur," Merlin put in quickly, his skin pale and his eyes shadowed. "You asked me for advice and I said there was no place for magic in Camelot..."

"Why, Merlin?" The shocked question came from Guinevere, who had never heard this part of their story. "Wasn't that the perfect opportunity to have what you wanted?"

"Because, my dear," Arthur explained gradually, beginning to comprehend, "if I'd agreed to The Disir's condition, Mordred's life would have been saved, and Merlin had already been shown a vision of Camlann where Mordred struck me down. As always, Merlin was attempting to protect me."

"Much good it did!" Merlin declared. "They saved Mordred regardless. No matter what decision I made, it seemed your fate was inevitable. If only I'd known..."

"If ifs and ands were pots and pans, beggars would ride!" Geoffrey of Monmouth intoned, silencing all in the chamber. "It seems to me that many of us made mistakes in the past. Perhaps if I had spoken up against Uther in the beginning, we would not be at this pass..."

"More likely you'd have ended on the pyre, Geoffrey," Gaius said with conviction. "I too have much to answer for. I was wrong to hide the truth from Morgana..."

"There is much we each have to regret, but regrets do not build a new and better future." The quiet voice of Lady Amena carried, strangely, throughout the room. "It is easy to be wise with hindsight." She walked toward her king, regarding him with sympathetic understanding. "Arthur, if you feel you must make your apologies, then I believe they would be received with a modicum of approval if not with unbounded enthusiasm. It is your future deeds which will change magic-users' perceptions of your reign."

"I hope you may be right, Lady Amena," Arthur answered. "I promise not to repeat my mistakes... if I am granted the chance."

"I pray that you are, Arthur," Guinevere leant into her husband's side. "I could not bear to lose you again." And Arthur had no doubt she was referring to the coming campaign.

"I hope not to leave you again, Guinevere, but I'm no longer foolish enough to make promises I cannot always keep," he said, holding her close, while he addressed the others. "I thank you for announcing the celebrations and I would ask a further favour of you that you should begin them for me. I believe the occasion demands our showing up in all our regalia and that might take some time to arrange. We will attend as soon possible."

No sooner had Gaius and Geoffrey of Monmouth's party left when another came calling. This time it was Sir Kay and the Druid, Iseldir, who entered, which seemed to Arthur and Merlin a slightly surprising pairing, but the reason, when Kay finally spoke, was even more bizarre.

With an uneasy glance around the room, Kay at last approached The King. "Sire, I would like to ask that Lady Morgana is given permission to attend tonight's festivities to hear for herself your announcement that magic is now freed throughout the land."

"Morgana?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Kay's weight shifted from foot to foot with unaccustomed anxiety.

"And suddenly I'm 'Your Highness'? You're unusually formal tonight, Kay," Arthur said, evasively, while he attempted to straighten out how he felt about Kay's request.

Kay shrugged. "I thought it best, given the subject for my visit... but Morgana grows weary of her prison." He took a step closer to his king, the man who had been his boyhood friend but who had learned to look as stern and courtly as Uther ever did when the occasion arose.

"You'll admit it is an unexpected appeal. I did not know you had become so... concerned with Morgana's state of mind." To tell the truth, Arthur felt a little guilty. He'd been so involved with other business, he hadn't spent much time with his newest knight.

"Sire, you did ask me to keep an eye on Morgana," Kay bowed from the waist. "And I'm sorry if I over-stepped my orders, but I've had no personal experience with this evil High Priestess you talk of. To me, Morgana seems very much like the girl I used to know when we were children here in Camelot."

"That may be so, Kay, but Morgana is culpable of a number of crimes, whether you find it believable or not," Arthur stated with a hint of annoyance... and yet, given his new frame of mind, he accepted his father and even he must carry some responsibility for Morgana's descent into dark sorcery. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure allowing Morgana some freedom is a good idea."

"King Arthur, if I might speak?" Iseldir came forward and when Arthur nodded, he continued, "I too have been keeping a close eye on the lady in question and, even with all my experience, I can find no artifice in her. Plus, my wards and Merlin's are still in place. I don't think Lady Morgana would or could do any harm were she escorted from her cell for a short time."

The King's lips pursed as he reviewed his options, but before he made his decision he turned to his new advisor. "Merlin?"

Merlin's head cocked to one side in contemplation, but he answered quickly. "I tend to agree with Iseldir, and it would be a chance to see how she behaved in public."

"There is that," Arthur said thoughtfully, but his frown remained.

"And it might prove to her once and for all that you have changed your opinion on magic," Merlin added. "She'd realise, if she were to regain her memories, that she would no longer be persecuted for her gifts..."

"As long as she used those gifts for good!" Arthur folded his arms, while he glanced over at his wife, who offered him a smile which conveyed all her love and trust. "But what about her past crimes, surely they have to be taken into consideration? We can't just forget about them entirely."

"Perhaps not, but you've already chosen not to execute her," Merlin reminded Arthur of their previous conversation. "Besides, we're only talking of letting her out for one night. If you're going to keep her under guard, isn't it best to make her incarceration as pleasant as possible for everyone concerned. I know you, Arthur, you couldn't treat her cruelly."

Gwen walked to Arthur's side and slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. "Merlin's right. You're not vindictive."

"Some Druids wouldn't agree with you, Guinevere." Arthur squeezed Gwen's hand, while his troubled gaze studied the ground at his feet. Now that the elation of winning was receding, he understood there was work still to be done. "We might have voted to legalise magic, but I'm afraid not everyone outside Camelot will be convinced, or so forgiving of the past."

"Sire, perhaps granting Lady Morgana some freedom might go some way to reassuring those very people who doubt you," Iseldir advised, his voice tinged with calm authority. "Druids are a peaceful people, but there were some who chose to take up the sword against you and ally themselves with Morgana. They sought revenge and, though I cannot condone their methods, I can understand their motives. Do you still intend to punish them for past transgressions, or will you seek a truce?"

"Iseldir, I've no wish to carry on fighting your people," Arthur declared, his blue-eyed stare clear and steadfast as he focused on the Druid leader. "If you could take that message to them and persuade them I seek only peace, I will be forever in your debt."

"Then as a goodwill gesture, give Morgana the freedom of Camelot tonight. I will assist Sir Kay in ensuring her good behaviour."

Arthur glanced at the others in the room, his eyes finally alighting on his friend. "Merlin?" he asked again.

"I think Iseldir has a point... and I cannot see the harm."

"Then your wish is granted, Kay." Arthur's smile was slightly awry, yet he did smile.

"Thank you, Sire." Kay's sunny expression returned with a slight bow of his head. "You won't regret this. I'll make sure of that." He turned and hurried from the room, giving Arthur no opportunity to change his mind.

"I too thank you, Arthur Pendragon," Iseldir said, yet without Kay's excitement. "I believe you've made the right choice, and as to the other matter, I will gladly be your envoy to bring peace amongst all the Druid clans." Then Isledir too was gone, leaving Arthur alone with Merlin and Gwen.

"Let's hope they're both right," Arthur said with a rueful laugh. "Though according to Gilli, Morgana isn't the problem tonight!"

"Don't worry about that, Arthur," Merlin assured him. "Gilli and I have got that covered. Alvarr won't get within striking distance of you."

"That's a comfort, Merlin, though perhaps Alvarr is fairly handy with a bow and arrow!"

At her husband's words, Guinevere turned pale and her mouth dropped open as she tightened her grip on Arthur. "Perhaps you shouldn't attend these celebrations. At least, not until they've found Alvarr."

"Guinevere, I have to." Arthur patted her grasping hand tenderly. "I was the one who persisted on following my father's decrees. I have to be the one who declares them null and void."

"Don't worry, Guinevere. I have magic and now I can use it openly. I can deflect an arrow before it ever reaches Arthur. I'll be right by his side, protecting him, as always," Merlin promised, his twinkling grin spreading across his face. "The only thing you have to worry about, Guinevere, is getting dressed for the festivities. You don't have much time."

Well, that is this week's offering. I'd love to hear what you all think. I believe there will be another two chapters and perhaps an epilogue. Mind you, my characters might decide they want to add a little more to the story and I always listen to what they have to say.

Thanks again for reading.