Arthur went back to see Gaius realising he hadn't asked about Merlin and the power he would need to heal. After speaking to him they both went to were Merlin was sleeping. "Use the controller your father had it allows slightly more control over Merlin's magic. Release the control as you would with yours and then leave him."

Arthur did as he was asked and soon noticed a faint golden glow spread over Merlin "That is his magic healing him. We must let him sleep" Gaius told Arthur

Arthur turned to Gaius "I want to free the other collared ones, will it be safe to release them?"

"If you mean health wise I suggest you do the same with them but for a shorter period of time. Have you thought what you are going to do about them, you do have a war to fight and without them you will be at a grave disadvantage" Gaius cautioned

"I will not force them to fight for us, I will ask but I would be no better that Uther if I expected them to fight against their will" Arthur said.

Gaius nodded "I knew you would make the right decision, might I suggest however if they don't wish to fight you don't release then until after the fighting has finished, no point in giving Morgause more help. Once Merlin recovers you will be in a better position, his power will be greater than all theirs combined once he has learnt to handle it. My Grand Nephew is one of a kind"

"That might be best, how long before Merlin is healed? I will not make him kill but I hope he will be willing to help us defend the people" Arthur looked at the Physician.

The older man smiled "I believe there isn't much Merlin wouldn't do for you Sire. Give him a couple of days and he will be back to his normal self, controlling all his new levels of magic will I suspect take time."

Arthur headed down to the cell where the collared ones were kept. He approached and opened the door and walked in "The King is dying, I intend to free you as I promised no matter what your decision but can I ask we are expecting the Witch Morgause to attack Camelot soon with Cenred and his army. Will you be willing to help us overcome their sorcerers?"

Edwin looked at the Prince "And if we say no?"

"Then I will keep you collared until after the outcome then set you free, I will not risk you helping them. But you have my word you will be free. After King Uther has died I will revoke the laws on magic and you may live your lives in peace."

Alvarr spoke next "And the boy?"

"He was hurt and is recovering as we speak. I have been advised because of him wearing the collar for most of his life it should be removed with care. But I tell you now he is my cousin and will be treated with the due love and respect of that relationship, as will my Aunt the Lady Hunith and Uncle Gaius." Arthur said. "Do you wish to consider?"

Alvarr spoke once more "I for one will fight alongside you, Emrys is the other side to your coin"

Ari nodded "I will as well"

The others asked for time so Arthur turned to them all "I am going to speak to the council when I am done I will come with the physician and remove the collars on those willing to swear fealty to me. Those of you who wish not to aid me in defending my people will be given proper food and treatment until after the battle"

Arthur went to the council chambers where the full council were waiting for him. He sat in his father's place and looked round the table before speaking.

"King Uther is dying he is not expected to live the day, I am, as the Crown Prince and heir to the throne, therefore taking power as regent until his death." He paused "My first action as regent is to right a wrong that should never have happened. I realise that some of you are old enough to know the truth." He glared at the older members of the council daring them to object. "My Aunt the Lady Hunith will return to the position that is her due as will he son Lord Merlin. Lord Gaius will be accorded the respect of his rank." There was mutterings especially from the younger members "For those of you who do not know my father's grief over the loss of my mother turned to madness, Lady Hunith, has for years been forced by threats to her son's life to work as maid servant to Princess Morgana. Her husband was my mother's brother and murdered by my father years ago. My cousin was born in a cell in the dungeons and has been used as a collared one since he was four." Arthur waited for quiet to descend once more.

"Before we go further I must tell you that a army is at this very moment marching on Camelot led by King Cenred and the witch Morgause. I intend to lead the fight to defeat them. The collared ones have been given the choice to fight with me or stay in the cells, until the battle is over. My first act as King will be to renounce the ban on sorcery but first I have a war to win. We haven't the time to discuss his now as we have to act decisively."

One of the older Lords looked at Arthur with disgust "What gives you the right to overturn all your fathers work, let alone before he is dead? You are barely a man"

"I am man enough to be a seasoned warrior and also be your Crown Prince. If not me who will lead you?" Arthur demanded "Which of you will lead the battle? As to my father's laws I am my own man and have disapproved of much that has happened for many years. My father knew this but still made me Crown Prince. I will not repeal the ban until after his death but nor will I pretend to you what I intend to do"

There was uproar round the table but gradually the noise abated and it was silent once more. "Once the war is over we will discuss this further but now we must prepare for battle. But be sure of this anyone who treats my kin with disrespect will feel my wrath" Arthur them started to discuss the battle plans and the preparations need to defend Camelot. Even the unhappy nobles realised that now was not the time to act against the young Prince. They would have time once the battle was over.