Arthur sat against a tree near the edge of camp, unable to sleep. Instead he opted to watch Merlin as he sat next to the now monstrous Freya as she guarded the edge of the camp.

She rumbled, making a low sound in her chest as Merlin scratched behind her ears, laughing while he did. Apparently the baset didn't take well to teasing and use a giant paw to knock Merlin over, playfully.

A few moments later Merlin came to sit with his brother, obviously trying to cheer him up.

"I think we should introduce her to Aithusa, she'd make a great playmate." Merlin mused.

Arthur hummed in response, making Merlin sigh.

"Stop blaming yourself." Merlin tried, "it's not your fault."

"What did you do to Agravaine?" Arthur asked in monotone.

Merlin went quiet. That was all the answer Arthur needed.

"What will we do, Merlin?" Arthur sighed, "I have a clue."

"We find those who escaped." Merlin suggested, "Gather them up, take back our city."

"They wouldn't follow me anymore." Arthur sighed, "I've let them down too many times."

"Arthur you're a great king." Merlin argued.

"Then why didn't I see Agravaine betrayal? Why couldn't I even defend the city?"

"I couldn't do it either." Merlin pointed out, "But I think together we can take it back."

"You really think so?" Arthur questioned, Merlin nodded.

"I know so."

…

Gathering up the people hidden within the forest proved much easier than first thought, Killgharah was able to locate many of them and then each royal would gather them up best they could. Even Freya found a few people, soaring high enough in the sky that she remained unseen. Their camp began to grow in size and faces, Arthur even hugged Leon when they found him.

Of course nothing compared with the running leap-into-one-another's-arms that was the reunion of the king and his future queen.

Though Arthur could sense his brother's disappointment when Gaius was not found among those who escaped. Neither was Gwaine or Elyan. The latter made Gwen sob slightly.

"We just have to get back and take Camelot all that much faster then." Merlin stated seriously, determination burned in his eyes.

As the large group of peasants, knights, nobles and royalty gathered around the fires that night Freya returned much to the shock of most in the area. Swords were drawn in seconds and people began to yell. Arthur felt his heart go out to the poor girl who couldn't help what she was. Even in this form Arthur could see the hurt and self-loathing in her eyes.

And then Merlin was Merlin.

"Put the weapons down!" He yelled, the people did as they were told immediately, they knew the prince rarely raised his voice and when he did you'd better do what he said.

Then he walked out toward Freya who instinctually stepped back. The prince held out his palm.

"It's okay, don't be scared anymore. I'm not going to let anybody hurt you."

Freya purred and nuzzled at him, the prince laughed. The people watched in awe as their prince proceeded to pet and talk to the 'monster'.

"She is just a girl." Merlin announced to them, "An unfortunate and cursed girl, but just a girl. You'll see once the sun goes down."

So slowly the people dispersed and allowed the baset into camp, where she settled by the princes fire. People still kept an eye on her however. As the sun rose the people prepared for battle, though many of them paused to watch as a blanket covered baset turn back into a girl. Gwen quickly and kindly offered the younger woman some clothing.

"That's magic for you." One man scoffed, "Turning an innocent girl into a monster."

"It's not magic's fault." Freya countered much to everybody's surprise, "A witch did this, not magic itself."

"Magic is the root of all evil." A man argued.

"Then I think swords must be." Freya argued.

"Where is the logic in that?" A woman scoffed.

Merlin stood and promptly slashed his sword across a tree. At first Arthur had thought it an act of frustration but instead of continuing Merlin then turned and pointed to the deep wound in the trees trunk.

"Magic could do that damage." He told them, everybody nodded, "But magic could also be used to fix it."

Arthur stepped back and let Merlin continue, smiling with what might have been pride. A few years ago Merlin was too nervous to even address the knights and yet here he was preaching the good of magic, something Arthur himself was too frightened to do.

Sometimes he wondered if destiny had gotten it wrong, maybe Merlin was supposed to be king not him. Then he laughed. Merlin as king?

…

The knights made plans for the castle's siege. It was going to be a difficult battle, but this time the army was of men. Not immortal warriors, there was no cup or magical artefact to lay waste to. They need only reach Morgana and then cut the head off the snake so to speak. That would not be easy.

"Morgana's power is great and we have nothing to counter it with." Leon sighed.

The princes exchanged glances.

"Leave Morgana to me." Merlin said after a few seconds, "You lot worry about taking back the city."

"You're going to take on a witch all by yourself?" Percival raised an eyebrow, "Mate, that's suicide. Arthur tell him."

Arthur turned to Merlin seriously.

"Time?" He asked quietly much to the confusion of everybody else.

"Tomorrow, no hiding." Merlin nodded.

"Merlin will deal with Morgana." Arthur informed the group much to their surprise.

"Believe me, he can handle it."

I know this chapter is a tad short but I want to have the battle all together. I've been back from Japan for a week already but I got distracted writing my new Merlin story "Impossible" which I'd love for you all to check out.

If you like this story you'll love that one and it's complete already :P