Okay, so I know it's been a month. A very busy month for me, because I am starting university in a couple of months and there's so much to get ready! Oh and I got my A level results which I'm so happy with xD
But I'll make a deal with you: Would you prefer quicker updates which will be shorter chapters, or slower updates with longer chapters? Your choice!
Aimee: I really feel like I'm letting you down, being slow! Thanks for your review though :)
Enjoy!
Chapter Fifteen (Merlin's POV):
"The time has passed for reconciliation with Morgana Pendragon. She has put the whole kingdom at risk, just for a chance at the throne, of which she has shown she is not capable of handling with care. Today, we announce the proclamation that has long been needed: that magic has returned!"
The crowd of lords, ladies and peasants stood stunned for a little moment, but then simultaneously applause and shouts rang out.
"Equality!" The majority cheered.
"End that witch!" Some shouted.
"Magic must remain banned!" Others pleaded.
"Your father wouldn't have done this" The minority grumbled.
But Merlin watched Arthur stand tall and not waver as he beckoned him over.
"With the return of magic, at the figurehead will be our very own Merlin, of whom others will learn how to use magic for good."
Everyone was once again silenced as they turned to stare at Merlin, who should have been used to it by now, but couldn't get over the fact that everyone now knew!
Their expressions were pretty much what the knights' had been. Of course they all knew who the king's manservant was, he was always either in the stocks, in the cells for a brief period of time, but the majority of the time constantly around the king.
He was well known and loved.
Merlin cleared his throat and was about to speak into the silence when someone started shouting. "Him? He couldn't use magic if his life depended on it! Look at him! Kill him for even thinking of this treachery I say!"
Merlin sought out who had spoken, and found an elderly lady shaking her fist.
He began to speak, suddenly finding the courage. "I'm glad to be able to speak out. I have had to live in hiding for seven years, protecting our king in secret, but now as a known warlock - or sorcerer, as we are commonly named - I will do my utmost to protect you all. There is a trap which I will set for Morgana, but of course, only the king and I shall know it."
As Merlin spoke, he could see eyes softening, mouths curling upwards, hands relaxing, and understood that the audience gathered were beginning to believe in him. Morgana had briefly reigned over them with terror, and anyone against her was their friend.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as the saying goes. That is, until...
"Any sorcerer is a traitor!"
Merlin stopped midflow in his persuasive speech, and cast his eyes back on the woman who had spoken out the first time.
She was nodding her head at those around her. "How can we trust a word he says? Why now, he might be laying a spell on us as I speak!"
"Listen to me - " Merlin opened his mouth, but noticed that whispers were beginning to occur as some people began to narrow their eyes at him again, as if what they'd believed before (that he was a good sorcerer) had all been lies.
He looked to Arthur for help.
"My people, listen to me, Merlin has done nothing but keep me and this kingdom safe from all our foes. He is a good man."
"How do you know that he didn't bring our enemies towards us in the first place? Like his control of the dragon? It was because of him Camelot was attacked and most of our knights killed!"
A faint warning sprang at the back of Merlin's mind but he figured it was because he could see the power in this old hag's speech.
He needed the people on his side!
"The dragon is no more, lady. He has done his part for Camelot, and now we must also. Believe in me."
"Merlin, can I speak with you for a minute?"
Merlin rubbed his eyes, feeling the weight of the responsibility to protect the whole kingdom, not just Arthur, weigh heavily on his shoulders.
"Of course, sire."
He had retired to the king's chambers, not able to get to his own without the whole throng of people pestering to understand him better.
He lifted his head when he felt a reassuring hand rest on his left shoulder.
"Did you see the way people looked up to you? Admiration in their eyes? Who would have known, eh?"
Arthur semi-grinned, but then his smile grew and he had that distant look in his eyes people had when they weren't in the present. "Can you imagine what wonders we can accomplish together? The king and the sorcerer?"
Merlin allowed a small smile to grace his features, but then it died down. "Not everyone was happy about this turn of events though, were they?"
Arthur shook his head, not allowing any negativity to break his smile. "She was just one of a minority. Once we are rid of Morgana, she'll see that you were right all along."
"I hope so, Arthur."
"Don't be such a pessimist, Merlin. Now go and get ready, the first stage of the plan will begin tomorrow."
Merlin hurried back to his chambers in the evening, wanting a good night's rest before the events tomorrow.
He noticed Gaius was not yet home, and vaguely wondered where he was, before plodding towards his room and his inviting bed.
He opened the door and was about to collapse when a shadowy figure that was undoubtedly female moved towards him.
He sprang back and filled his mind with magical words that could fell her down in a second, before realising that the woman had stopped instantly, and was backing away.
He flicked his eyes to the candle on his bedside table and a flame sprung up, revealing her identity.
Merlin sucked in a breath. "Mother?"
Hunith rushed forward and hugged her son, clinging to him with a fierce strength only a mother could.
"Mother what are you doing here?"
Of course Merlin was grateful to see her, when he thought he never would again as he left Ealdor all those years ago, but the rest of the time he saw her, danger always followed. Camelot was not safe at the moment!
"Oh Merlin, I've heard the news. How could you reveal yourself?"
Merlin pulled back. "You always said that the time would come for me to show my powers. Now is that time."
Hunith wiped a tear from her cheek, stroking her son's hair, as if he was young again. "But it's a dangerous idea, with Morgana on the loose."
"Don't worry, I can defeat her. I have a plan to trap her and kill her."
"When will this take place?"
"Tomorrow at dawn. Our scouts have told us that she is fast gaining on the castle, so by dawn she should enter the Throne Room with no resistance. There Arthur and I, and all the sorcerers who have been kept in hiding until now, will trap her, and kill her. She is no match for all of us. Once we do, the people will accept us."
"I wouldn't be too certain of that."
Merlin's eyes widened. Hunith had not spoken.
He spun round, recognising the voice, and sure enough the old woman who had spoken up against him stood at his doorway, surveying the scene with narrowed eyes.
Merlin opened his mouth furiously "You can't just come in here - "
"I was looking for Gaius, boy. His duties are still needed, as I'm sure your magical abilities" she spat out the words "can't heal the sick."
Merlin checked himself, determined to win this woman round. He started forward.
"Look, I don't know where he is, but I'm sure I can help."
The woman backed away "No. I don't think the patient will want your help. Tell Gaius that Gramona is looking for him."
"Is that your name?"
"What do you think?" She gave him a look, then left.
Merlin caught his mother staring at him with a worried look in her eyes, silently communicating to him that this is what things could be like with the whole of Camelot.
Merlin sighed. "It's fine, she's just a one off. Seriously."
Hunith said nothing.
An hour later, Hunith was sleeping on Merlin's bed, while Merlin took Gauis', who was still not home.
Merlin couldn't remember if he had been in the Throne Room when he and Arthur had announced magic's comeback, but he made sure to look for him when he woke up.
For now, he needed to stock up on energy.
Please review :) (don't forget to answer my question at the top of the page ;))
Also, what do you all think of the new show coming, 'Atlantis'? It apparently takes Merlin's slot on Saturday night. Think it will be good?