Thank you so much to everyone who has read, favourited, followed and reviewed this story. I really appreciate all the comments - they persuaded me to continue and extend to three chapters instead of just a one shot.

Caldrea32 has once again been a fantastic beta and worked her magic over my words.

So here is the final instalment and epilogue - I how you enjoy it.

Chapter 3: The Lionheart, The Witch, and The Warlock

Gwaine let out a war cry, sprinting in front of the royals and launching himself at the witch. She merely batted him away with a flick of her wrist and a flash of gold. The knight sailed through the air and crashed into a wall, falling to the ground motionless.

"Gestillan!"

Arthur reached for his sword but found himself rooted to the spot by invisible bonds. Guinevere likewise fought in vain to move.

"Mistress!" Eira gushed. "You have come to save me?"

Morgana turned toward the blond woman. "I'm afraid not, my dear. He escaped and you got caught." The High Priestess smirked as she clenched her fist. "Gesweorc, hine beclyppe!"

Eira squirmed and grasped at her throat. The blond's eyes bulged in terror as she gasped for breath.

"Morgana, Stop!" Arthur's voice was commanding.

"Why? She is a traitor – you would have killed her anyway. I saved you the trouble."

Eira slumped to the floor, dead. Morgana stepped over the corpse as if it were a mere inconvenience and began to pace.

"Where is he?"

Arthur was so shocked by what had just happened he did not register the question.

"Where is he!"

Morgana scanned the room and a look of unease flickered across her face before being replaced by a snarl. "He wouldn't stray far."

"Who?" The royal demanded.

She rounded on the king. "Your lapdog, that meddlesome servant."

"Merlin? He has nothing to do with this."

Morgana snorted, hands on hips. "He has everything to do with this. I foresaw your death at Mordred's hand but he did something to change it. Always interfering... I know it was him!" The woman suddenly switched and a sense of calm fell over her features. She spoke again, gloating. "It matters not; you are going to die, Arthur. You've failed."

The king was stoic. "Let Guinevere go. You were friends once."

"And so we will be again."

"Never. I will never forgive you for what you did," Gwen cried.

Morgana swivelled on her heel and walked slowly toward the queen. She clicked her fingers and Gwen stumbled toward her until the witch raised her hand, forcing the royal to stop. Gwen stood defiant as Morgana circled like a cat but recoiled as soon as the witch brought up a hand to caress her cheek.

"There, there, you may have flown back to your gilded cage but you cannot deny we were good together. Have you forgotten how we laughed at knights and guards? How no one important realised you'd murdered the stable boy, not even your husband."

"That wasn't me."

"Oh, but it was; a part of you. Such a flare for the macabre and you enjoyed it so much. But then you always were very determined and ruthless underneath that pretty facade. How else would a servant become a queen?"

"That's enough!" Arthur snarled.

"What's the matter, brother? Do you not like to hear how your wife killed and plotted behind your back and you were too stupid to see it?

"She was enchanted."

"Morgana, please." Gwen began, trying to plead with the woman that had once been her friend. "Innocent people are being hurt, families and children! You used to care so much for Camelot; what happened?"

The High Priestess let out a high-pitched laugh. "Camelot has systematically hunted and destroyed my kind, burnt women, drowned children – who cared about that?" The witch turned, striding up and down. "All those I foolishly thought cared turned their back and betrayed me - took away the ones I loved."

Morgana stilled and looked up at the ceiling. "Isn't that right, Merlin?"

She blasted away the curtains and a tapestry, knocked over a table and sent a suit of armour crashing to the ground in a rage.

"Where are you? Hiding again? I know you can hear me. I have your king! Come out and face me, Emrys!"

The king and queen exchanged looks. Lady Morgana was gone, replaced by a demented and vengeful witch. Nothing of the person they'd once known remained.

Morgana stood in the centre of the room, hands balled into fists and shoulders braced. She fixed her gaze on her pray and started marching determinedly towards the royal couple.

"Enough games."

When she reached Gwen, she placed the heel of her hand against the queen's forehead.

"Onslæp nu!"

The royal let out a cry and slumped to the ground.

"Guinevere!"

Morgana turned towards her brother, smirked and said with mock concern. "Don't worry, she's not dead. When this is over I'm going to need some company and she made such a good pet last time."

"No." Arthur growled as he struggled futilely against the invisible restraints.

Morgana giggled as she watched the fierce knight fight her spell. She bared her teeth at the king. "I think I would prefer you to kneel before you die. Feall!"

Arthur was thrown on the floor at Morgana's feet and she began to raise her arms.

"STOP!"

The witch and the king turned simultaneously.

Merlin stood in the centre of the room, but before anyone could react his eyes blinked gold and a wave of immense magic was released.

It hit the witch square in the chest and she was lifted off her feet and hurled through the air, slamming into a wall.

Merlin's left leg buckled, but he was able to retain his balance. He half-staggered, half-ran towards Arthur, toppling onto his knees beside the fallen king.

"Edniwe." He whispered without looking up.

Arthur could move again, but his only concern was for his wife. "Guinevere?"

Tentatively, the physician's ward reached out and rolled the queen over. He cradled her head gently and felt for a pulse.

"She's sleeping."

"Is she alright?"

He sat back on his heels and nodded. "I think so."

"Can you... can you help her?"

Merlin looked at the royal with wide eyes. Did Arthur mean magic? They stared, blue against blue, and then Arthur gave a curt nod.

It was quiet for a moment before Merlin drew himself up into high kneeling. He held a trembling hand over the queen, closed his eyes and swallowed, preparing to recite a spell openly in front of the king for the first time.

"Swilte, Merlin!"

The warlock was blasted backwards against the wall, falling with a sickening crack. Merlin tried to move, pushing his shoulders up only to collapse once more. Morgana advanced, holding a dagger.

Arthur was too far way to do anything. "Merlin!"

The servant shifted, lifting his head. "Bebiede þe arisan ealdu. Bebiede þe arisan cwicum."

Suits of armour came alive and marched towards the witch, weapons drawn. She yelled as they converged upon her, swallowing her up like a spider devouring a fly.

"Tæfle!"

Pieces of metal went everywhere as Morgana broke free. She was livid and Merlin bore the brunt of that rage. He had barely staggered to his feet when she yanked him backwards against the hard floor. Not content, she picked up the limp body with magic and slammed him into a chair.

"Ic þé geháta, searubunden. Gehæftan. Bebiede þe arisan cwicum."

The wood became a living thing and sent out powerful roots deep into the floor. Branches and tendrils wrapped around the slumped man's limbs, anchoring him to the spot and trapping him in a tree.

"Not so mighty now, are we?" She snarled.

Wiping a smear of blood from the corner of her mouth and smoothing out her skirt, she regained her composure and walked slowly towards the warlock. Reaching through a gap in the foliage she pulled his head up by his hair and lightly bounced her blade against his neck.

Arthur crept silently towards the witch. He was convinced his servant's throat would be cut and he could not let that happen. The point of his sword dug into her shoulder.

"Let him go."

She lifted both her arms in surrender and let the dagger drop. It hit the floor with a clatter, echoing around the silent room.

"Really, Arthur, stabbing a woman in the back is not very honourable - we're family, too."

Arthur hesitated and the sword wavered. Could he kill his sister? Flashes of the girl he'd known growing up and the times they'd played together as children flicked through his mind.

Morgana used the brief pause to her advantage and jerked her head back. "Hleap on bæc!"

The knight was flung against a table and pain shot through his damaged ribs. He tried to pick himself up but was rendered stationary again. His heart sank as Morgana carefully picked up the dagger. There was nothing he could do.

She tilted Merlin's head, exposing the tender flesh of his throat. Her hand lingered then moved upwards and sliced off a lock of black hair. Her fingers ran over an open cut on his forehead and she jabbed at the wound so the unconscious man stirred. From within the folds of her dress she produced a corn doll, dabbed the warlock's blood onto it and wrapped his hair around its neck. "Ontende eallne þæs drycræftes hire sawle!"

She squeezed the poppet, digging her fingernails into it.

Merlin cried in agony. His eyes flew opened as he jerked awake. Struggling violently against the vines he shouted a spell. "Snæde!" It did not work. "Min strengest miht hate þe tospringan!" Sparks of gold flickered around his irises then died.

"What have you done?"

"Really, Merlin, to lose your magic once is bad enough but a second time?" She shook her head and tutted. "That's just careless. You really should be more careful with your gift."

Morgana twisted the doll's arm and Merlin screamed, contorting against his restraints.

"Why you?" She said venomously. "Why should a nobody like you be born with such power only to waste it?"

Merlin looked up.

"Oh yes, Mordred told me all about it. How the druids think you're some kind of saviour – how disappointed they'll be to learn of your death. You picked the wrong side, Merlin; you're a traitor to your own kind."

She turned and gestured at the king and queen.

"For what? Do you think they truly care about you? You are just a servant to them."

"I was born to serve Arthur; I don't regret that." Merlin managed to grit out.

"Really?" She let out a harsh laugh. "Then why didn't you tell them who you really are? If you thought Arthur would accept a sorcerer, why appear at Camlann as an old man? Deep down you know they will never respect or understand you. Accused of treason by Gwen and who came to your aid? No one. Left to rot in the cells – that's how much your friends think of you."

He wanted to say it wasn't true, but often the knights and Gwen were too busy to speak to him now. They'd moved on but he'd just stayed a servant. It hurt more than he wanted to admit to play the fool and have everyone believe it.

The warlock flinched and bit his lip. "It doesn't matter."

"You could have helped me, forced Camelot to accept the old ways, but you threw it away for a king that hates magic - hates you. I alone, the last High Priestess, will bring the Old Religion back to the realm. Shame you'll never get to see it."

"I'm not like you, Morgana; you've corrupted what's beautiful and used your gift to dominate others. I only want peace. All you've achieved is death and destruction and now you want to replace one prejudice with another."

"You naive fool, some casualties are necessary in a revolution. Once the new regime is in place, I will be a just and fair queen."

The warlock snorted. "There is nothing of what you were left; your mind is twisted and your heart has become a dark empty chasm."

She slapped his face.

"Don't dare to lecture me. You know nothing of loss - but you will; I'll take everything. Where does your mother live, again? Ealdor, isn't it?"

The warlock grunted and tried to call his magic but it was useless.

"You think you're so superior but we're not so different, both prepared to kill if someone gets in our way." She smiled, and then gestured towards the king. "He doesn't know how many you've slaughtered in his name does he?" She turned to face Arthur. "Merlin here is quite the executioner. He tried to poison me whilst I was still at court, then there's your uncle, oh, and your father. Of course, they're only the ones I know about."

"It's not true. You're making it up." Arthur growled.

Merlin's head was down. The truth had never been so painful.

"Merlin?"

The warlock's shoulders tensed and he lifted his chin. He glanced at Morgana's triumphant face and then at the questioning king. He wanted to explain, make it sound better, but he couldn't.

"I'm sorry, Arthur."

The monarch's face crumpled, blue eyes pleading. "No."

Laughter rang out and Morgana clapped her hands in glee. Merlin looked at the witch and felt anger burn in the pit of his stomach. It did not matter if Arthur hated him, he would not let her take Camelot, he would not let her kill the king.

Solemnly he shook his head, defiant. "You always did underestimate me, Morgana. I'm not just magic, I am a dragonlord." He threw back his head and let out a guttural roar. "O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"

"I have bound your magic. You're helpless. A dragon couldn't get here in time." The witch did not sound convinced and she looked around in fear before grabbing the poppet and twisting it.

Merlin screamed.

There was a blur of gold and Morgana screeched. A small golden dragon attacked her with its talons. She held up her hands in defence, trying to bat the creature away. It flew up in the air and circled before trying again, this time a jet of flame tore from its jaws engulfing the corn doll - destroying the hold the poppet had over the warlock.

It was then Arthur realised that the red Pendragon banner was empty.

The dragon darted through the air, its sharp eyes focused on Excalibur. It swooped down and clasped the weapon in its claws, flying towards its master. The extra weight made the creature lurch, slowing it down.

Morgana recovered enough to grab a sword and hurl it at the reptile. "Þurhdrif hie ecg!" The little creature let out a cry as the metal pieced its chest. It dropped the precious cargo with a clatter and fell to the ground dead.

"You will pay for that," She hissed.

The witch lifted her arms. "Bæl on bryne!" A ball of fire shot towards the tree that encased the warlock. She watched in satisfaction as orange flames surrounded her nemesis. She'd won. Emrys was not her doom. Now all that remained was to avenge those she had lost and take the throne for herself.

Turning away from the blaze she walked slowly towards her brother. "How does it feel to lose everything, Arthur?"

The king stared into the hard emerald eyes of his sister, a woman he'd once loved and respected. He wondered where it all went wrong and how she could have turned into this.

"I pity you, Morgana; a life without love is no life at all."

This was not what she wanted. She wanted him broken, begging, but most of all she wanted him dead. Magic boiled deep within her, dark and wretched; she pulled it to the surface, ready to strike.

"Goodbye, Arthur."

"I can't let you do that."

Merlin stood behind the witch holding Excalibur. Soot and blood caked his face, his clothes were torn, but he exuded power.

Her mouth fell open in surprise, then she laughed. "I'm a High Priestess. No mortal blade can kill me."

"Excalibur was forged in a dragon's breath."

He plunged the sword into her stomach. She grabbed at the hilt, eyes wide.

"I'm sorry. I feel responsible for what you have become, but this has to end."

He pushed the blade in further. Tears tracked down his cheeks making channels in the dirt as he lowered her to the floor.

"Emrys." She called, reaching out.

Merlin let go of the sword and grasped her hand. "Was this really what you wanted, Morgana?"

"Emrys, plea -" Her arm flopped down, her breath stilled and her green eyes became fixed then dull - the witch was dead.

He'd always hated taking lives, even when necessary, and this one especially so. Each loss chipped away at his soul; one day there would be nothing left.

Merlin reached over and closed Morgana's eyes. She finally looked peaceful, beautiful once more now bitterness no longer contorted her features.

He collapsed back on his heels and stared blankly ahead, numb. Time seemed to stop and everything was fragmented. He was only vaguely aware of things happening around him, muffled noises and flashes – as if he wasn't really there.

At some point he sensed movement and the sound of Arthur's voice - but far away like he was underwater. He turned to see the king kneeling at his wife's side trying to rouse her. Gwen. Merlin's head cleared for a moment and he whispered the spell to revive her "Ic ácwice þé. Ic þé bebíede þæt þú ne slæpest!" He was thankful when she started to move but then was lost again.

Magic flowed through his veins, the only comfort against the darkness and cold. Others had died, been injured, guards... Gwaine? Merlin blinked and searched the room for the knight but his body was gone. The room was all but empty. Arthur must have led Gwen out but he did not recall that happening. He was the only living thing left – alone with two corpses. That realisation seemed to shake Merlin out of the vacant state he'd been in.

He tried to collect his scattered thoughts and dragged himself over to the small golden dragon. He pulled out the sword and laid his hand lovingly on the beast's head.

"When I called for my kin I expected someone bigger." He smiled sadly. "Thank you, little one, but you were never meant for this world and need to go back where you belong."

He waved his hand, eyes burning liquid gold, and the little creature disappeared. He looked up at the plain banner in time to see the Pendragon emblem reappear on the crimson cloth.

He slowly crawled back towards Morgana. Wiping his hand clean, he gently stroked her face and smoothed her hair.

"I'm sorry. I should have done more to help you."

"We all should have."

Merlin jumped as Arthur placed a hand on his shoulder. He'd not heard the other man enter the room and had no idea how long he'd been standing there.

"She can be in peace now. Perhaps she will find some comfort in the next life." Arthur's fingers gripped at the bony shoulder beneath his touch.

"Gwaine?" The warlock asked without turning.

"With Gaius."

The silence stretched on and Arthur struggled with the quiet. "Merlin, the things Morgana said -"

"Were true."

Merlin waited for the reaction. There wasn't one. The king just kept his hand were it was. The warlock sighed; his whole body sagged.

"I didn't mean… I tried to do the right thing, but it went wrong… it always goes wrong."

"Always?"

Merlin turned with red-rimmed eyes and looked up at the royal.

"I wanted to tell you… I tried… there was never a good time."

"You did tell me."

The servant's face scrunched up in confusion.

"After the battle… but only as a last resort, when death seemed inevitable."

Merlin pulled at his hair. Why did he not remember? The warlock gripped his skull with his hands. Am I going mad?

The blond shook his head. "Did you really think I would have you executed?"

Merlin paused and his arms flopped down to his sides. "At first, maybe. Your father would have certainly chopped my head off." He struggled with what to say next. "Then... I don't know… others betrayed you... we became friends, I was afraid to lose that."

Merlin shrugged and brought the back of his hand up to his cheek. He wished the royal would get angry. He could defend himself in a fight, but this was unbearable. Arthur was strangely reticent and the warlock did not know how to react but he didn't have it in him to pretend anymore.

The royal sighed. "A dragonlord? You didn't tell me that."

The servant flinched. There was no point in even trying to be evasive.

"I'm Balinor's son." He looked up. "I didn't know, not until we went to find him and… well, you know what happened next."

Merlin closed his eyes and saw the image of his father, a man who'd been absent for years, a powerful dragonlord, and whose love had been fleeting but unconditional.

Arthur made no comment on the dark-haired man's demeanor, just gave him a moment then moved on.

"The sorcerer at Camlann - that was you?"

The warlock nodded.

It was quiet for a while, then the monarch finally asked the question that had baffled, intrigued, and scared him all at the same time.

"Who's Emrys?"

Merlin let out a defeated laugh and averted his gaze. He spoke slowly, voice flat. "It's what the druids call me. Supposedly I'm the most powerful magic user ever to walk the earth, destined to protect The Once and Future King and help create Albion... We were to unite the old and the new religions and bring peace and magic back into the land."

It hurt to talk of his destiny and dream now that the possibility of it was gone.

Arthur seemed to pick up on his hopelessness and defeat.

"Don't presume to know my mind, Merlin." The royal snapped, then regretted the tone and spoke softly. "Morgana stole your magic - it's gone?"

Merlin closed his eyes. This is why Arthur is so calm? He thinks I no longer have magic?

The warlock shook his head. "She tried. I thought I'd lost it, but it's not possible - not completely."

Frustration boiled over, finally breaking through the apathy. If he was to be condemned, he wanted it over with. "I am magic, Arthur. I was born this way, it's part of me - I can't change."

There was a stunned silence.

"I don't want you to change."

"What?"

"I want you to always be you."

"I don't understand?"

"You saved my life, Merlin, and Camelot - multiple times, and yet you never sought recognition."

"That's not why I do it."

"I know."

The warlock just stared.

"I don't like being lied to, Merlin. I was angry… but I think I understand why you did it and well…"

The king suddenly looked unsure of himself. "Thank you."

Merlin's eyes were wide.

"I've not said it enough for all the things you have done. Merlin, what Morgana said - no, let me finish - she said you were just a servant but you've never been that. You're incredibly brave, loyal to the point of stupidity, and my only true friend."

His sister had played him well, for if he'd somehow survived but lost Merlin he would have been broken. Morgana had taunted and tortured the servant but he had not wavered - he was strong, unbelievably so. To have immense power but never abuse it was a rarity. Merlin had suffered greatly and been forced to make impossible decisions alone, difficult choices that had come at a price but saved lives. Merlin had killed Morgana and brought peace - something Arthur had not been able to do.

Arthur had feared Morgana left a lasting legacy when Merlin did not respond - it was like his father all over again. Unlike Uther, Merlin had come back. Now he had a chance to put things right.

"I made mistakes, Arthur. I've done things -"

"We've all made mistakes, Merlin. No one can turn back time and change things - not even you. We learn to live with them and hope to do better in the future."

The servant paused. "Wise words, Arthur. Spoken like a true king."

"I had a good teacher."

Merlin's mouth quirked. "So you don't think I'm a complete idiot, then?"

"You have your moments."

Arthur grinned and Merlin gave a little chuckle. It seemed an age since they were able to be like this.

"So, what happens now?" The warlock asked seriously.

"I don't know."

Merlin's face fell.

"You told me there was no place for magic in Camelot." Arthur reasoned carefully.

"There isn't... there wasn't - the people wouldn't have accepted it. You couldn't have changed the law based on a threat. It has to be something you want, something you believe in."

The royal nodded. "You're right. You're always right, Merlin."

The warlock ran his tongue over his teeth and looked away. He almost missed it when the king continued.

"Camelot may not be ready for magic - but I am. We shall have Albion, Merlin. We will build it together and it will be as great and prosperous as you said it would. It will take time and you will have to hide a little longer, but not forever and not from me."

The king held out his arm. "Come on, let's get you to Gaius - you look terrible."

"It's been a tough few days."

"Yes, it has."

The warlock grasped the king's hand tightly and the stronger man hauled up his friend. They stumbled, Arthur hissed at the extra strain on his ribs and Merlin wobbled like a drunk. The pair clung to each other and negotiated the debris with difficulty, almost making it to the door when Merlin tripped, sending them both crashing to the ground.

Both men let out groans.

"The most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth yet you can't make it across a room without falling flat on your face?"

"No one's perfect."

"Clearly."

"Arthur?"

"Hmm?"

"You're crushing me!"

The king hastily moved, rolling onto his back and catching his breath. Merlin enjoyed the sweet sensation of air filling his lungs once more. Neither man said anything, both waiting for the pain from their collective injuries to subside. It was Arthur who spoke first.

"There has to be an easier way, I'm not going to make it down two flights of stairs with you."

The warlock tensed and looked pensive. "There is."

Arthur stilled. "Oh."

"I could, you know… if you wanted…"

"I'm never going to get used to this, am I?"

Merlin smiled and held out his hand. "Do you trust me?"

The king swallowed. "Always." He let his fingers curl around Merlin's in a tight grip.

"It won't be easy, but we'll get there."

Both knew they were talking about more than the journey to the physician's quarters.

"I know."

"Ready?"

"Ready."

The Once and Future King braced himself and looked into the deep blue eyes of his friend. Merlin smiled again then whispered the spell.

"Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!"

Arthur watched as his friend's irises flooded with gold. His arm began to vibrate and his whole body was engulfed in an incredible heat before his stomach flipped and was sucked through his boots.

For the first time in his life Arthur experienced the true beauty and wonder of magic. Once over the initial nausea of teleportation he decided he could get used to it and perhaps, in time, maybe even get to like it.

Epilogue:Two sides of the same coin

Camelot rejoiced in victory and took time to remember the dead.

Merlin did not react well to Gwaine's passing; he blamed himself for failing to save his friend. The warlock had poured all his magic into the fallen knight to no avail. Arthur had pulled him away when his nose began to bleed and his body shook, shouting he was not prepared to lose Merlin too and that nothing could be done for a broken neck.

The king held his friend whilst the skinny man struggled, punched, and kicked; gripped him tightly as windows and vials exploded and eight years of pent up anger and grief gave way to gut-wrenching sobs. He did not let go when Merlin's exhausted body gave out and he fell into a deep sleep. He let tears and muck soak into his shirt and his arm go numb, swearing he would do all he could to prevent his friend suffering again.

Gwaine was buried with honour and many mourned his passing. Merlin spoke at the funeral and disclosed the man's birthright as a noble, what a good friend he'd been and how he'd died as a true knight saving his king.

Privately the warlock remembered the man who had always treated him as an equal when Merlin had failed to tell the truth. He allowed himself a drink that night, knowing it had always been the rugged man's mission to get him to spill his secrets over a jug of mead.

Morgana was given a royal burial but not a public one. She was remembered as the women she had been - kind and compassionate. The king knew many could never forgive her for what she'd done but Arthur did. He asked that his sister rest in peace and find happiness in the next life.

When the king addressed his people to celebrate the kingdom's victory he thanked them for their contribution in saving Camelot and acknowledged the sorcerer who had turned the battle. The figure remained anonymous but Arthur urged the citizens to judge others by their actions and not by heritage or expectation. Over time, rumours grew and spread of a powerful magic that protected the king. Camelot became a force to be respected and an ally to be won.

Merlin gained a reputation as the former servant who had become the royal's closest adviser. Anyone wishing to impress the king of Camelot would have to win Merlin's favour too.

Among other revelations, Arthur discovered the role of magic in his own conception. It took a while for the king to accept that.

The king learned that magic made up the fabric of the earth and without its existence Merlin could not be. The royal concluded the world was a far better place for his friend being in it. He would make sure magic users could be free and were protected. Those who abused their gifts or used them for ill would be severely punished - as would those who attacked or provoked sorcerers.

He knew it would not be easy and there would be backlash on both sides. He could not make up for the atrocities, all he could do was ensure he learned from them and did what he could to ensure a peaceful future.

The Druid leader Iseldir asked for an audience with the king and the meeting forged the beginning of talks between the druids and Camelot which led to a new respect for the community. Magic slowly seeped back into the kingdom.

Two years after Camlann the ban on magic was officially lifted and Merlin was recognised as court sorcerer. The warlock forgave Aithusa and the dragon became a symbol of hope. As predicted, the journey had been difficult at times but Albion was born, the five kingdoms united and a true golden age prevailed.

The royals were never blessed with children and Gwen questioned if the enchantment Morgana had placed on her had left her barren or if it was penance for all the evil she had done during that time. Magic was never an option after Ygraine, but she felt it was a small price to pay for her husband, her friends, and her kingdom.

Arthur lived life to the full. When his time came he welcomed it. His fractured ribs had made him vulnerable to chest infections in later years and ultimately that's what took him. Thus, as was foretold, Arthur died at the hand of Mordred, from an injury sustained at the battle of Camlann.

Merlin outlived everyone but his body eventually failed too, returning to the ground. Merlin was magic and that part of him endured; it seeped into the fabric of the earth, dissipated, and became the sky, the sea, the rocks, and the trees.

Magic waits, deep and dormant, for the spark that heralds the return of The Once and Future King. Then it will rise again, for what is Arthur without Merlin?

THE END

Well? What did you think...

Appendix

Spells and translations, taken from the Merlin wiki page:

O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes! O dragon, now indeed I utter to you commands out of necessity!

Feall Fall

Swilte, Merlin! Kill Merlin

Gesweorc, hire beclyppe! Darkness, clasp her!

Ontende eallne þæs drycræftes hine sawle! Take all the magic of his soul!

Hleap on bæc! Leap on your back!

Bæl on bryne! On burning fire!

Tæfle! Throw [them like] dice!

Ic ácwice þé. Ic þé bebíede þæt þú ne slæpest!I revive you. I command you not to sleep.

Ic hæle þina þrowunga. I cure your sufferings.

Þurhdrif hie ecg! Sword, pierce her!

Onslæp nu! Sleep now!

Edniwe Restore

Snæde! Cut

Min strengest miht hate þe tospringan! Make my fierce power strong to open you!

Ic þé geháta, searubunden I bound you cunningly.

Gestillan Be Still

Gehæftan Restrain

Bebiede þe arisan cwicum I command you to rise up to life.

Bebiede þe arisan ealdu I command you, ancient ones, to come forth.

Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard! Conceal us! Guide us away from here!