As soon as they had finished discussing the plans for the defence of the castle and town Arthur called a meeting of his closest knights. He asked Elyan to be there as well. "Elyan you have been with the collared ones do you think they will help us? Can I trust them for should I keep them collared and in their cell until after the battle?"
Elyan looked thoughtful "You can trust Alvarr and Ari they are from druid stock and believe in the Once and Future King, they are also fond of Merlin, and maybe Gilli. Gilli is the weakest magic user. But I don't trust Edwin, Cedric or Jonus. Anyone of them would sell out to the highest bidder. Edwin in particular has a strong hatred for your father and I believe it will transfer to you, he wants vengeance."
Arthur nodded "I thought much the same. I will talk to them later. But first we must make plans. I don't intend to let the win but they have magic and a strong witch on their side so we have to plan. I hope that Alvarr and Ari have good defensive magic, I know it wasn't something they practiced, but that is how I would prefer to use it. It seems wrong to ask them to kill for us." He looked at the knights "Now I want your ideas"
The men talked through various plans, in the end Arthur made a decision and sent the men off to prepare. He went back to his father's room and found the King was still hanging on to life. Not stopping he went to the room next to his to see Merlin. The young boy was still sleeping, the golden glow still covering his body. Gaius and Hunith were by his side. "How is he?"
Gaius looked up "It is quite remarkable Sire, Merlin's magic has almost mended his broken bones and the bruising is fading. I have no idea however when he will waken, he must be using large resources to heal himself."
"Let him have all the time he needs, how is the King?" Arthur needed to know. He really needed to be the king before the battle started, if his father was to waken during the battle he could ruin everything.
"I don't know how he is holding on Sire. I had expected him to have passed by now" he paused "He has a strong will"
Arthur looked unhappy with what he was saying "But when will he die!"
"I don't know Sire, as I said he has lasted longer than I expected"
"But he will die? You are sure of that at least" Arthur demanded
"Sire until he draws his last breath nothing is certain. But I cannot see how he could recover" Gaius told the blonde.
Arthur walked closer to the bed and looked down at his cousin "I will not allow him to suffer any more. You have my word" with that he walked out of the room and down to the cells. Why was his father holding on to life? Should he finish it now? He knew if he did then his reign wouldn't be secure. There would be infighting among the nobles if he were to be seen to be a king slayer. He wished he had ensured his death before, but Arthur was concentrating on Merlin at the time and hadn't believed that his father was alive.
Riders were sent out to establish just how close the enemy were to Camelot. As many of the local villagers and townspeople had been moved into the castle and all the stores had been moved into the walls in case of a siege. Arthur had considered taking the fight to the enemy but there was nowhere suitable to meet the force where they would have the advantage. At least in the castle they would have the walls and battlements. Arthur intended that he and his men would fight the enemy in the town and surrounding countryside, only retreating into the walls if they had to.
The scouts came back later with news that the advanced forces would be arriving the next morning. Soon followed by the main force. They would be outnumbered two to one. Arthur knew that he had the advantage of knowing the area and that the castle itself would also help to alter the balance. He was most concerned about the magic. So he headed down to the cells and the sorcerers. Looking at them he asked "Have you come to a decision?"
Alvarr and Ari immediately stepped forward "We will side with you" Arthur thanked them
"If possible I would like you to help defend the castle, I hope not to have to ask you to use your magic to kill. And if you do then only the magic users, my men will take on the main army" Arthur looked at Gilli who looked back nervously.
"I won't judge you if you prefer not to join us. Your time in Camelot has not endeared you to us. I would prefer you say no if that's how you feel. I will release you as soon as the battle is over, and if we lose I'm sure Morgause will release you"
Then I will stay here" Gilli went and sat on the bench, and looked down at his hands.
Arthur then looked at the other three and made the decision for them. "You can also stay here. I know you do not wish to help me and I understand why, better to stay here than have my attention divided between the enemy in front and yourselves. Once we have won you will be free to go on your way. I will give you each a horse and supplies and a purse." The Prince hesitated before continuing "I don't think I would be any different if I were in your shoes."
Edwin looked at the Prince "So we get no choice, the Pendragon can't trust us"
"Well are you saying I can?" Arthur countered "Because I am willing to listen"
"I would soon as cut my own throat." Cedric snapped "I hope to be out and see you hang when Morgause captures you" Jonus nodded and said nothing.
Edwin looked at Arthur speculatively "I could be persuaded I am the strongest here you need me"
Arthur said nothing but just raised his eyebrow and waited.
"If you promised me the post as Court Sorcerer and lands" Edwin said "I could turn the tide in your favour."
"I think not. Merlin will have that post" Arthur said
"That boy! If he is so good they why are you using any of us?" Edwin sneered "All this talk of Emrys has turned your head"
"He was attacked by the King, he is recovering but even if he is ready in time, I will want his to defend only, he hates killing"
"That's what makes him weak, he has power what good will it be to him if he isn't willing to use it?"
"Magic has other uses that death and destruction, that was my father's way, it is not mine." Arthur turned to Alvarr and Ari "Come with me" after the two men and left he cell Arthur locked the door behind them "I will see you are fed and cared for but you will not have access to any of your magic until after the battle." With that he walked back up the stairs to the main castle