Author's note: Hello! My lovely readers. I am on time as I promised. Today is the last day of year and this story only needs 5 more reviews to reach 400. So, would you mind leaving some nice reviews as a new year present for me, please?

On with the story. This is the long awaited confrontation. I hope you're going to like it. Happy new year to all of you and happy thirtieth birthday to Colin Morgan.

Chapter 34

A Broken Coin

Long lines of jagged scar criss-crossing his entire back. Arthur could see them clearly from where he was standing. He had reached the farming land in search of Merlin and he had found him. Merlin was with the Elmetian farmers reaping crops. His tunic was tied around his waist and for the first time in his life, Arthur was seeing Merlin without any attire on his upper body.

But what Arthur saw was not something he was expecting. He could recognize the scars anywhere. Notched whip. Merlin was flogged with notched whip. Those gruesome scars were the result of those kinds of whipping. Arthur couldn't help shivering a little. He had done this to his friend. To an innocent man whose only fault was that he had saved someone with magic.

Regret filled Arthur's mind. He knew that he had committed an unforgivable sin by torturing his friend . But seeing the things that he had done first handed made him sick to his stomach. How could he do this to his own friend? How could he expect that Merlin would ever forgive him after what he had done?

Still, he couldn't lose hope. He had to try at least. How could he amend his sins if he didn't try?

" Do you need anything, your grace? " Someone's voice interrupted Arthur's train of thoughts.

He looked at his right from where the voice came. A man maybe in his mid forties was looking at him with a questioning frown on his face. He was sweating profusely and he was holding a sickle in his right arm. He looked a bit uneasy as if he didn't want to be near the king of Camelot.

' That's not uncommon. Almost every Elmetian avoid me. ' Arthur thought sorrowfully. He didn't blame them. After all, he and his father had hunted down the magical people for many years. His father might have started it but in the later years of Uther Pendragon's reign, it was ( to his shame ) his own hands which spilled magical blood.

Arthur shook his head. Now's not the time to think about the past. He was here to talk with his friend and he would do it. So, he looked at the man ( a farmer maybe? ) in the eyes and said, " Can I talk to your king now? Tell him it's urgent. "

The man nodded and went towards where Merlin was working. He whispered something into Merlin's ears which prompted Merlin to straighten up and turn around to look at Arthur.

Arthur gasped in horror when Merlin turned around. There was a huge burn mark on his chest.

The Pendragon Insignia.

Merlin was branded. Arthur always knew that the inquisitorial knights were brutal torturers but they never told the king what methods they used. Hence Arthur never knew exactly what kind of Hell Merlin had to go through.

Now after seeing Merlin bare bodied, Arthur had some idea about how Merlin was treated during his imprisonment.

Merlin quickly put on his tunic, went to one of the irrigation canals and splashed some water on his face.

Then, he began to come near Arthur while rubbing his wet hands on his tunic.

" You wanted to see me, your grace? " Merlin asked in a very formal tone which made Arthur feel like a dagger shoved in his heart again.

But he was able to get a hold of himself and replied, " Yes , your majesty. "

It still felt weird to call Merlin ' your majesty '.

" We haven't talked formally after the battle and I have some important things to say to you. " Arthur's voice was also formal like Merlin's.

" Can't it wait? We've already arranged a meeting. It will be after your queen's arrival. We can talk then, maybe? I'm sure your advisors would want to know what you want to tell me now. "

Arthur could clearly see that Merlin was trying to avoid having any conversation with him. But he wouldn't have any of it. He wanted to talk with Merlin now and he would do it. His elusive friend wouldn't elude him this time.

Arthur replied in a hard tone.

" No , Merlin. It can't wait. We need to talk right now. And I think we should talk in a more secluded place. "

By looking at Merlin, Arthur deduced that he was thinking about something with haste and after a while, the king of Elmet stretched out his right hand. " Take my hand. " He said.

Arthur didn't know why he did it but he took Merlin's hand without any hesitation and he suddenly felt as if he were sucked inside a whirlpool.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

When Arthur opened his eyes again, he found himself in a different place than he last was. He looked around and realized that he now was on a much higher place. He looked at Merlin with a questioning frown.

" We're at the top of the white gold tower. You wanted a secluded place. Here we are. Now tell me what you want to talk about. " The king of Elmet said without any pause.

Arthur opened his mouth and then closed it again. He was waiting for so long to talk with his friend. But now that he had got the chance, he was at a loss about what he should talk about. Should he say sorry? Should he kneel before him and ask for his forgiveness.

Arthur didn't know. What he had done was unforgivable. But how would he be able to regain his friendship with Merlin if he didn't try?

Arthur took a deep breath and started simply.

" Merlin, I want to say to you that I am sorry. I am extremely sorry for what I had done to you two years ago. I was stupid and selfish. I was blinded by rage and ignorance. Too blinded to see past my father's hatred and superstition for magic. "

Arthur stopped there. Expecting that Merlin would say something. But he didn't. He kept looking at Arthur with a blank expression on his face.

So, Arthur continued. " You saved my son using magic. You saved me countless times using magic. You sacrificed your body and soul in my service. And I was so ungrateful that I threw your years of service away without any second thought. Before I met you, I was nothing but an arrogant prince who bullied his own people. It was you who changed me. You who turned me into a man whom his people loved. You made me a great man.

You are my truest friend. "

For a fleeting moment, Arthur saw something sparked in Merlin's eyes and hope flared inside him. He wouldn't give up now. He would make everything alright.

" You were the wind beneath my wings. You helped me fly upwards while you remained behind to keep me afloat never wanting anything in exchange. You are the best friend anyone could ever hope for.

And I... " Arthur stopped there and took another deep breath.

" And I was nothing but selfish. I took you for granted. I pushed you aside when you wanted to help me. I tortured you when you saved my son. What kind of friend ever do that? I am sorry, Merlin. I am sorry. " Arthur almost chocked when he said the last words. His voice was shaking.

Still, there was no response from Merlin. He kept looking at him with the same cold gaze. But Arthur was persistent. He wouldn't give up. He spoke up again.

" I know, no matter what I say, it wouldn't be enough to repent for my sins. But know this, I was never this much sorry in my entire life. I would do anything you tell me if it means that I will regain your friendship. "

Saying this, Arthur went down on his knees. Merlin looked surprised and taken aback at Arthur's sudden action.

He didn't expect that. Arthur thought. Feeling satisfied with his action. He wanted to show Merlin just how much sincere he was and if that needed him to be humbled in front of his friend, then he would gladly do it hundred times.

" Merlin, please forgive me. For without you, I am incomplete. Your friendship was something I cherished with every inch of my heart. A thing that I hadn't realized until it was gone. Please , my friend. I beg of you. Just give me another chance. I will make it up to you. Please, Merlin, please. "

Two drops of tears rolled down Arthur's cheeks. He looked down quickly to hide them. Suddenly, he felt a pair of gentle hands grabbed his shoulders and forced him on his feet. He looked up and saw Merlin smiling a soft smile.

Hope swelled inside Arthur. Maybe Merlin had forgiven him. Maybe they would be friends again. Maybe he would be whole again.

Merlin spoke up. " That's all ? " He asked. No emotion escaped his voice.

Arthur nodded. He was waiting anxiously for what his friend would say and he was surprised when Merlin started chuckling.

" You didn't need to be so dramatic. If you are talking about your.. erm... harsh treatment on me two years ago, then rest assured. I am not someone who would hold grudge for a long time. It's not good for one's health. Grudge is the fuel of insanity. Look where it took your father and your sister. I have forgiven you a long time ago. No need to be worried. " Merlin was still chuckling when he finished talking.

Just like that? Arthur didn't know what to think. He knew that Merlin was always forgiving but he didn't expect Merlin to forgive him just like that. He thought Merlin would be angry. But he was not. He was calm and relaxed. Nothing like he had expected.

In short, Arthur couldn't believe that he was forgiven. He shouldn't be forgiven so easily. Merlin should yell at him. Merlin should hit him. But he didn't. He got back his friend and he did it more easily than he had thought it would be.

Finally, Arthur managed to beam a smile and asked, " So, are we friends again? "

Immediately, Merlin's expression changed. He stopped chuckling and raised an eyebrow.

Arthur knew then that something was wrong. Everything was not as he had thought. He was proven right when Merlin said, " Yeah, about that... I don't understand what you said about the friendship part. You never considered me as your friend. So why would you call me your friend now? "

Arthur felt like he was hit by a stone wall. What was he hearing? Merlin thought he never even considered him as his friend. No, that can't be right. Merlin must be joking. Arthur was going to say something but Merlin had already opened his mouth.

" I have always wanted to be your friend, your grace. But you always pushed me away. Many times, you've made it clear that I am not your friend. "

" That's not true. " Arthur protested. He was becoming restless.

" Oh! That's not true? " Arthur could now sense veiled anger in Merlin's voice. " What about ' You're wrong, Merlin. I don't need anyone. I can't afford that luxury. ' ? "

Arthur was gobsmacked. Merlin had remembered what he had said to him just before the Caerleon war word by word. And he wasn't finished.

" ...Or what about ' You have no idea what it is to make these decisions. ' Or ' How could you compare yourself to the king's protector? You're just a servant. ' I have always been a servant to you. Nothing more. You asked what kind of friend ever do that. You did that because I was never a friend to you. Only a servant.

That's why I've forgiven you. Because a king can do whatever he wants with his servants. He can punish them if they are guilty. I was guilty in your eyes. So, you punished me just as a typical king should do to his servants. Why should I hold grudge against you when you were just upholding the so-called and publicly recognized law of Camelot ? "

No. No. No. This couldn't be happening. Arthur was panicking now. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had to make Merlin understand. Merlin was and would always be his friend. Not his servant. He spoke up in his defense.

" But I've said that you are my friend. In the tunnels of Ealdor. I have told you that you were the only friend I had and I couldn't bear to lose you. I have meant those words with all my heart. You're my best friend. I can't bear to lose you. "

" I don't trust you. " This time Merlin yelled in anger. " Admit it, Arthur. I was only a friend to you when you needed me most. When the deed was done, you tossed me away like a piece of trash. You trusted your traitorous uncle more than me. You even threatened to banish me when I didn't believe your beloved uncle's lies. You call me your friend but I was not worthy enough to have a place at your round table. "

Saying this, Merlin began to chuckle again. " Then again, I should thank you for torturing me. If you hadn't done that, then perhaps I would've never come to Elmet and find such great friends. "

Merlin came closer and looked Arthur in the eyes. Arthur could see rage burning in those blue irises and he couldn't help feeling scared.

Merlin began talking again. " I don't care if you mean every words you said to me just now. I now have far better friends than you. I have Gilli, Daegal, Sicilia, Roy, Nayem, Maes and so many others. They will all ride at the gate of hell with me if I tell them. I don't need your friendship, Arthur Pendragon. I am doing just fine without it. "

Arthur suddenly found that he was unable to speak. Merlin's accusations and words had made him numb. He didn't know what to say. The same couldn't be said for Merlin as he spoke up again.

" And if you're wanting my friendship for the sake of the alliance , then rest assured. We'll become allies even though nineteen of my councilors among fifty have disagreed with my alliance plan with south. As majority of my councilors agreed with me I will be able to get on with my plan. So don't get worried. "

Both of them remained silent for sometimes after that. Arthur was at the verge of mental breakdown. His mind was at disarray. He felt disgusted at himself. Like Merlin said, he now realized that he was a really rotten friend. Merlin deserved far better friends than him. But how would he able to live with himself knowing he would never be able to become Merlin's friend again?

" Father. " A feminine voice called out.

Arthur looked around and saw a white dragon was flying towards them. He had heard about the White Dragon but never seen it before. Now that he was able to see it, he had to admit that the magical beast was truly a sight to behold. It was not as large as the great dragon but it was as large as the black dragon ( Merlin ) he had seen on Aren's birthday. It's ( her ? ) white scales were sparkling on the light of sun making her look like majestic and fearsome at the same time.

The dragon landed on the roof beside Merlin. The white dragon lowered her snout and Merlin touched his forehead with it. Had someone told him that he would see Merlin getting this cozy with a dragon only two years ago, he would have laughed it off.

But now he was seeing it before his own eyes and for some reason, it didn't look like odd. Rather it looked like an interaction between a daughter and his father. The dragon spoke up.

" Father, your students are waiting for you. Have you forgotten that you have classes to take today at the academy? The war has hampered the studies. Rickon was looking for you for at least a half-hour. Luckily I was passing by and at his request, I have come to take you. "

The dragon said without taking any pause.

Arthur knew that dragons can talk for sometimes. But to see a dragon talk was something really amazing. Arthur now realized why Aren felt so giddy after his mysterious ' visits ' to his uncle's city. He was brought out of his reverie by Merlin's words.

" Oh dear! I've forgotten about that. Rickon is waiting for me, you say? " The dragon nodded.

" Let's go then. " Merlin looked at Arthur and said, " Sorry, your grace. But I have to go. Students are waiting for me. We'll talk again when your wife arrives. " Looking at the dragon, Merlin asked, " Race you to the academy? "

" You're on. " The dragon said with what Arthur could only interpret as a draconic grin.

Merlin grinned back and jumped from the tower's roof. Arthur would've screamed in horror hadn't Merlin immediately turned himself into the famed black dragon his son had talked about so much. Within seconds, the two dragons were flying away leaving a broken king behind whose wish to become whole was not fulfilled

The broken coin remained broken. One half refusing the existence of the coin itself while the other half was at a loss of how to mend what was broken. Maybe some broken things were not supposed to be mended.

Only time would tell what would happen to the famed prophecy of the once and future king and Emrys.

For now, it remained veiled in mystery.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

So, did you like it? Drop me a line please and have a great thirty first night. Happy new year and happy reading.

Adios.

- Assassin of Syria