The Empath

Epilogue

Merlin's injuries healed with time and rest and magic. Arthur steadfastly refused to resume the search for the old sorcerer, and eventually Uther gave up demanding his capture and execution.

Although no one ever learned that Morgana set up the circumstances by which Gwen was accused of sorcery, all now know of Morgana's treachery. Her involvement in the attack on Camelot and claim of the crown with her revelation of her parentage took all but Merlin and Gaius by surprise. The depth of her hatred and cruelty unhinged Uther. After her defeat, Arthur had to step in and assume power as regent for his father.

The weakness of the crown as a result of Uther's condition, Arthur's youth and inexperience, followed by the devastation wrought by the Dorocha throughout the kingdom before Lancelot's sacrifice to end it, have led to new turmoil and unrest, particularly near the Northern Borders. "Or so Agravaine says," Merlin thinks to himself. He's not so sure.

This mysterious uncle appeared in Camelot shortly after Arthur's victory over Morgause's immortal army. Somehow, Agravaine had learned of Uther's infirmity, and came to help his nephew rule as regent. And to place himself at the heart of power near the crown as Arthur's closest relative. Arthur seems to rely too heavily on Agravaine's advice and counsel, in Merlin's opinion.

Merlin follows a grim-faced Arthur as he strides down the corridor from the council chambers after a lengthy meeting discussing the troubles in the North.

"Why is it always the Northern Borders?" Merlin asks.

"Hmmm?"

"Why is it always the Northern Borders?" Merlin repeats, keeping pace with Arthur. "I mean, it seems to me that whenever there's some kind of an ill-defined threat, it always seems to be from the Northern Borders. Granted, it's on the southern edge of the Perilous Lands, but I think you'd agree that an attack from that quarter is very unlikely. So. Why there? I'm just saying that it seems like a made-up excuse. You did it yourself, Arthur. Remember? That time when you wanted to compete in the jousting tournament without anyone knowing it was you? You made up some kind of bizarre magical beast that was rampaging near the Northern Borders so you could make your father and everyone believe you were away from Camelot fighting it. 'The face of a bear.' Really?"

Arthur halts his stride, and turns to look at Merlin. Merlin babbles on, despite the warning in Arthur's raised eyebrow. "So, when Lord Agravaine says there's unrest near the Northern Borders and tells you that you have to deal with it personally, I wonder. There's never really been a problem there before. So, why is it people always say the Northern Borders?"

"Are you having one of your funny feelings, Merlin?"

"What? No. Wait," Merlin stammers. "Erm . . . . Well, yes."

"I'm still going. And you are to stay here."

"But, Arthur . . . "

"Shut up, Merlin."

xXx

A/N: This adventure continues in "The Sorcerer's Slave" by Nantasyland.