Chapter Seventeen

The age of Albion had long been foretold. Ancient seers had spoken of the Once and Future King who would unite the five kingdoms and bring peace and prosperity to the land. So too had they spoken of the warlock Emrys, who would be possessed of tremendous power – the likes of which this world had never known before and never would again. The great deeds performed by these two men would be remembered in every age to come, but the bond they shared was the true heart of the legends.

For one was nothing without the other.

Destiny had bided its time as these two young men grew separately as individuals and together as friends. But it was in this moment that the two halves became whole.

Magic hummed through the connection between them and their joined hands began to glow as their life-force twined together. The earth responded in kind. Power rose from the very essence of life itself – from the trees, the rivers, the birds, the animals and the people – for all were connected in the grand story. Magic seeped into Emrys, healing his wounds and restoring his power.

His eyes burned gold and for a moment Arthur feared the magic would consume him.

But Merlin blinked and the gold faded to his natural blue.

He looked up into the eyes of his king and his brow creased a little in bewilderment. "Arthur? What happened?"

"I'm not entirely sure. But whatever it was, I don't think there is a single person here who did not feel it."

The crowd murmured in agreement.

Merlin groaned and tried to sit up. Arthur supported him with a hand on his shoulder, feeling a warm buzz in his fingertips at the simple touch. Merlin seemed to draw strength from the moment of contact and was able to stand to his feet. He swayed a little but Arthur did not let him go until he was steady. Merlin smiled his gratitude.

Arthur realised that something important had shifted between them. He doubted their lives would ever be the same.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked quietly.

"We're alive," Merlin answered. He sounded surprised.

"What of your magic?" And your mind?

Merlin looked down at his hands. At a thought, twisting tendrils of magic began to dance in his palms and weave between his fingers. He brought his hands together and the magic faded. A gentle smile curved his lips. "It is mine once more."

His gaze suddenly darted up to Arthur's face. "Agravaine?"

"He's dead," Arthur told him. "He can do no more harm to you or to Camelot."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Arthur felt nothing but relief. His uncle had been a traitor. He had tried to systematically destroy this kingdom and everything it stood for. But ultimately, it was not his treason that had earned Agravaine his fate. "He tried to hurt you," Arthur said simply. "And he paid the price."

Merlin seemed a little stunned by the declaration. "I never expected… I mean, I didn't think that- you would ever choose me over him."

"That's why you didn't tell me."

"I'm sorry. I know I put everyone in danger by keeping it to myself, but he was your uncle and I didn't think… I knew you couldn't take the word of a servant over his."

"Agravaine was family," Arthur said. "But Merlin… I hope you know that you're a lot more than that."

Merlin flushed and dropped his gaze. "You too," he mumbled. "Thank you for what you did."

"I meant what I said. You are safe here. From now on, we protect each other. Deal?"

Merlin smiled at him. "Deal."

"Now, there is one more thing I must do." Arthur turned to the assembled crowd and raised his voice so all could hear him. It was time to fulfil the promise he had made a long time ago.

"Many of you know my manservant, Merlin. You know that he is kind and generous. You know that he is loyal and true. You know that he has a good heart.

"Today, you have learned that he also has magic. Many of us have been taught that magic is evil and that those who use it will be corrupted by its power. We have faced many threats birthed from magic and many of us have lost friends and family to sorcery. I know that pain intimately. For years, my anger and bitterness blinded me to the truth. It is not magic at fault. Evil lies in the hearts of men who are greedy, selfish, crave violence and seek to exert power over others.

"The qualities that Merlin displays are the exact opposite. I have never known anyone more humble or more selfless than he. Although blessed with extraordinary power, Merlin has been content to serve as a servant. He has never sought to claim the throne and he has never asked for recognition of his deeds. He acted in the shadows, protecting me and defending this kingdom. Time and again he has proven that he values the lives of others ahead of his own.

"Lord Agravaine attempted to deceive us. He maligned Merlin's character and made him out to be a criminal. But I ask you to judge Merlin based on what your own eyes have seen here this day. He could have destroyed this city to escape from the fire, but he has shown that he would rather die than see an innocent person hurt in his stead. It is clear to me that Merlin is not evil, and therefore magic cannot be evil after all. What say you?"

"Here, here!" the people chorused.

"It is for this reason that I have decided to lift the ban on magic. From this day forth, those who seek to use magic to help, to heal and to protect our great nation will be welcomed in Camelot."

The people cheered and tears sprang to Merlin's eyes. "Arthur…"

But he wasn't finished. "In addition, I am announcing a new position in the court. The person appointed to this post will be responsible for the regulation and monitoring of magic. They will oversee the integration of sorcerers into our kingdom and ensure that their powers are only ever harnessed for good. They will act in the capacity of advisor to the king and they will stand as the authority on all major decisions regarding magic. They will be called upon as a healer, as a protector and as a champion of the people.

"In my capacity as King of Camelot, I decree that Merlin, son of Balinor, the last Dragonlord and the one spoken of in prophecy as the Great Warlock Emrys, is hereby awarded the title of 'Court Sorcerer'."

Merlin gaped at him.

"Trying to catch flies, Merlin?" Arthur quipped fondly.

Merlin's mouth closed with a snap but he still stared at Arthur in complete bewilderment.

"Well honestly, who else was I going to choose for the position?"

"But-"

"Do you accept the title?"

"Well – yes – I guess," he stammered uncertainly.

Arthur clapped him on the back. "Then it is official. People of Camelot, I present to you: Court Sorcerer Merlin."

The crowd began to cheer. Gwaine, Leon, Percival, Elyan, Guinevere and Gaius were the loudest among them – they all wore broad grins and clapped harder than anyone.

"Long live the King!" Leon cried. Gwaine chimed in, "And long live Merlin!"

"Long live the king!" the people echoed. "Long live Merlin!"

Merlin was wide-eyed with stunned amazement at his reception. "I don't – I don't know what to say. Thank you, Arthur. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Arthur remembered the servant who had kneeled at his feet, asking for death if acceptance would not be offered to him. Many years ago, a young peasant boy with a big secret had come to Camelot in hopes of finding a place where he could fit in. Now, at long last, that dream had been realised. "You're welcome."

Merlin grinned at him and Arthur decided that, after everything they had been through, he could permit a small display of sentimentality.

He pulled his best friend into a rough hug. "Equals," he declared.

"Does that mean you're going to do your own chores from now on?"

Arthur wrinkled his nose. "I'm still the king of Camelot."

"You're going to hire a new manservant, then?"

Arthur frowned. "I like the one I have."

Merlin shook his head with a laugh. "Picky, picky. I've spoiled you rotten, King Arthur."

"Well your magic can take care of things now, can't it? But if you think the workload will be too much for you-"

Merlin waved a dismissive hand. "It's no more than I've already been doing – now I just get some recognition for all my hard work."

"It is well-deserved," Arthur said seriously. "I mean it. If I haven't said it yet… thank you, Merlin. For everything."

Merlin gave him a long, searching look as though judging his sincerity. Then he nodded, and his trademark beam spread across his face.

"Oh don't look so pleased. I'm convinced that you're still an idiot at least fifty percent of the time."

But Merlin didn't stop smiling, and Arthur hoped he never would.

ooOOoo

A/N: Epilogue to come! A huge thank you to all my readers and reviewers who have given me the inspiration to continue this story even when it was putting up a significant fight. I couldn't have done it without you :)