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Here is the final chapter.

Chapter 11 Epilogue : New Beginnings

Merlin pulls the cowl over his face and adjusts his dark blue cloak. It has been six months since his accident. Given how events had progressed this confrontation was inevitable; Morgana - destiny and doom. The worst part was that he had brought it on himself. The witch is holding Arthur captive and even though he knows it is a trap he will not let any harm come to his king.

In the aftermath immediately following Merlin's awakening Arthur kept his word and did not say anything to anyone - not even Guinevere. For a while things went back to the way they had been, except they didn't. Merlin tried not to blatantly use his magic in front of Arthur, which should have been easy but wasn't. Keeping his gift hidden was something he'd done all his life but once the warlock knew Arthur was watching him it was more difficult than he could have imagined and things had become strained between the two men.

Gwen and Gwaine both guessed something had changed between servant and king since the accident but no amount of quiet conversations or prying would reveal answers from either party.

Merlin returned to his duties after a month, it took another two before he could walk without a limp and that was only if he made an effort. It would always be a weakness and when he was tired or distracted Merlin's gait would show signs of the old injury - which seemed to bother Arthur more than it should.

The king made a point of asking Merlin's advice during council meetings, much to the chagrin of some of the older members. However, it soon became apparent the servant was more intelligent that the nobles had given him credit for. When some of Merlin's suggestions were successful opinions began to change.

In the early stages of his recovery it had been too much for Merlin to tell Arthur all he had done. As the truth trickled out over the months and Arthur learned the true extent of Merlin's deeds there had been arguments, slammed doors and sulking on both sides; there had also been respect and remorse. It pained the king to still have Merlin as a servant, however, the arrangement gave them time to process all that had happened, to prepare, and for Merlin to recover fully.

Merlin started accompanying the knights on patrol again; predictably they were attacked by bandits, only this time Arthur was acutely aware of the fallen branches and conveniently placed tree roots that aided their victory. Afterward the king privately chastised Merlin for using his magic in such obvious ways until the warlock reminded him he'd never noticed before. Arthur conceded the point and in future encounters with ne'er-do-wells Arthur and Merlin developed a sort of private code and worked together. Later they would argue who had done more to secure success and their open squabbles helped solidify their relationship into something better than they had had before.

Unfortunately, the day a Hydra invaded the castle falling gargoyles and subtlety was not enough. The knights sliced off the creature's multiple heads but more grew to replace them. Excalibur could have destroyed it but Arthur could not get close enough to deliver the blow. Despite their skill the knights were losing; Elyan went down, a gash appeared on Gwaine's arm, a blow to Percival's leg sent him sprawling; it had gone on long enough. Merlin refused to let anyone else get hurt when he had the power to stop it.

He made a decision and quickly escaped the mêlée. He donned an old cloak, the hood covering his face. Standing high on the ramparts he was unnoticed until he deftly wielded the Sidhe staff and unleashed a blast of powerful magic that completely eviscerated the beast, leaving only scorch marks on the courtyard floor. Silence descended in the square and all looked skyward to see who had felled the fearsome creature. Before the archers could redirect their arrows the sorcerer righted his staff, bowed to the king, and hopped off the wall – seeming to disappear into nothing.

When Arthur caught up with Merlin he had plenty to say on the warlock's little escapade.

"What sort of stunt was that? What the hell were you thinking?"

"I was saving your life."

"We had the situation under control."

"No, Arthur, you didn't. Magical beasts need magic to defeat them."

"Someone could have seen you! You could have been shot."

"I was not shot and the whole of Camelot did see... well, they saw a sorcerer, nobody knew it was me... did they?"

"No. Everyone is talking about the courageous sorcerer who would protect Camelot."

Merlin's lip quirked. "Courageous?"

Arthur pursed his lips, ruffling his friend's hair. "No need to get big-headed, Merlin. The courtyards a mess and my armor is covered in blood and slime from the Hydra, which is technically all your fault."

"My fault? I didn't set it on the castle."

"No, but you did blow it up - so you'd better get busy!" Arthur folded his arms, cocking an eyebrow.

"Of course, Sire." Merlin huffed but as he marched down the corridor he held his head a little higher and a wide smile spread across his face.

Merlin could have appeared as Dragoon but that particular sorcerer stood accused of murdering King Uther and Arthur would have been forced to explain or pursue him; besides, Merlin wanted his young legs if he had to escape in a hurry, so the dark blue hooded cloak served him well.

The next time Merlin openly intervened in the knights' fight Camelot was under attack by a Cyclops. Once again he donned his disguise, dispatched the threat effortlessly, then theatrically bowed to the king before taking flight.

Rumours began to circulate about who this mystery sorcerer was. Some of the druids who had ventured closer to the city since Arthur's pardon were tentatively approached. The people began to whisper the name "Emrys" and the citizens of Camelot no longer seemed quite so opposed to magic.

Morgana has always known Emrys protects Arthur; the powerful warlock stands in her path to the throne. Thus, ridding herself of Emrys will be ridding Camelot of its king. She does not know who Emrys is, he has always been elusive - foiling her plans from afar. His mistake was to become too bold and too visible.

"Emrys."

Merlin rolls his shoulders and readies himself for the confrontation that has been a long time coming. He hopes he is strong enough; he may be the most powerful magic user to walk the earth but he needs to preserve lives, this weakness is Morgana's strength. She will be ruthless, doing whatever it takes to win. He will do whatever it takes to protect Arthur.

"Emrys."

Merlin steps into the courtyard and walks silently toward the witch. It takes her a moment to realise he is there, she is so intent on watching the battlements.

"Morgana."

His voice is neutral yet it commands attention and silences the courtyard.

"I am High Priestess of the Old Religion; you have no right to use my name." She spits.

"I am Emrys; I have every right to your name."

"Only a coward hides his face."

"Or takes an innocent hostage."

"Innocent?"

The air crackles and pulsates with energy. They stand a meter apart, the witch has cast some sort of spell that has immobilised the court. Merlin could have released the people but for now they are safer this way.

"It does not have to be like this, Morgana. I don't want to fight you."

"You never fight, that's the problem! The mighty Emrys is scared and impotent, saving his own skin whilst magic suffers."

"It's not like that."

"It is whilst he sits on my throne." Morgana sneers, shooting a murderous glance at her brother. " I'm here to take back what's mine and make the changes you did not have the courage to."

Merlin holds her gaze, watching Morgana's eyes so he can respond the moment she decides to attack.

"It's not your throne. Arthur is a good and just king; Camelot has prospered under his reign."

"Magic has not prospered. Your kin are oppressed and hunted and here you are - nothing but a lap dog to a false king! He would cut off your head if you did not cower behind a cowell!"

"As you can see, my head is firmly attached to my shoulders. King Arthur has known of my existence for months - I have not been pursued."

"Traitor!"

The warlock is determined not to react to her words. "Magic users are not hunted indiscriminately, Morgana. There have been no executions since Arthur came to power and the druids have been pardoned. Can't you feel the changes? Things are getting better now and will continue to do so. You need to be patient."

"I have been patient long enough, but you're right, things will change - starting with you!"

Morgana sends a blast of magic toward Merlin but he ducks easily.

A battle begins using all the elements. The seasons fight for supremacy, only just contained within the castle walls. There are bursts of lightning and fire, falling rocks and unnatural gales. Vines spring from earth and statues become animated. Merlin deflects and matches all that the witch throws at him. Then she changes tactics, attacking the stationary people and knights. The warlock immediately blocks the bolts of magic but it leaves him open.

When Morgana's magic hits him in the chest he is lifted off his feet and slammed into the ground. He rushes to regain his footing, using the staff for support. He is desperate to get up before she can strike again.

For a moment everything stops. Morgana stands, glaring at him, rage contorting her features.

"You!"

The hood covering his face has fallen back, revealing his true identity to all. Merlin straightens.

The witch screams, sending a barrage of rocks and masonry flying toward him.

He reacts instantly, magic holding all the debris suspended in the air, frozen in time. He lowers his arm, letting the rubble fall safely to ground.

"Go, Morgana, this battle is one you cannot win. You have no army, no subjects, and I am stronger than you. This is your last chance."

"I don't need an army." She sneers. "Aithusa!"

There was a wild screeching sound as a white dragon appears in the sky, wings blocking out the sun and casting dark shadows over the courtyard. Aithusa throws back her head, ready to unleash fire.

Morgana releases the holding spell with a smirk. The crowd collectively screams and chaos breaks out in the square. Some of the knights react immediately, cordoning the people off and directing them to safety, others engage the witch. Merlin conjures a shield to protect all against the flames, then roars in the dragon tongue.

"O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"

Aithusa freezes in midair then drops from the sky like a stone, landing next to the dragonlord. She bows her head and lays down on her belly in submission.

"NO!" Morgana howls, flinging back Percival and Leon. "No." Gwaine and Elyan meet the same fate.

"Stop this! I'm warning you, leave now, Morgana."

"Never!"

She crouches down palms to the earth, eyes golden, and starts to chant. "Eorðe, lyft, fyr, wæter, hiersumaþ me. Eorðe ac stanas hiersumaþ me. Ic can stanas tobrytan. Hiersumaþ me."

Cracks appear in the walls and floor, the citadel begins to shake.

Merlin grapples to keep his footing. He doesn't want to do this, but Morgana would destroy Camelot and he will not allow that.

"I'm sorry, Morgana; I feel partly responsible for what you have become but this cannot continue. Gescildan!"

Merlin holds out his arm and a clear dome encases the witch, containing her power.

Enraged she fires spells at the shield but to no effect, like a wasp caught in a jar. The sphere starts to change, becoming crystalline and shrinking in size. His magic is working instinctively now, the high priestess is strong and Merlin struggles to bring her power under control. Her gift is tainted, twisted and dark; being in contact with such malevolent magic burns his soul but he continues to pull it into himself, neutralising and binding it so she can do no more harm.

The effort of maintaining the spell is making his nose bleed and his body shake but he does not stop. The prison gets smaller, becoming a multifaceted diamond with a black heart.

She has stopped screaming and is now on her knees, space closing in around her as she begs with tears in eyes.

"Please, Emrys. Please stop."

Her arm is outstretched and he thinks he finally sees part of the young woman he met when he first came to the city. He can't do it anymore; he's taken too many lives. He cannot keep her encased in a glass coffin, no matter what she has done.

The knights are approaching and he can sense Arthur's presence but he does not look up.

It takes immense effort to rein in his power and release the enchantment. The crystal prison slowly becomes molten then disappears completely in wisps of gold.

"Thank you, Emrys," she says, bowing her head and catching her breath.

"The king will decide your fate."

Merlin's not a fool; he knows she continues to be a threat. He has taken most of Morgana's power but she still retains some - he would not steal her soul, no matter how twisted.

The air clears and Morgana is on her knees at his feet. He can see her chest rise and fall through the thin, tattered bodice of her dress. Slowly she raises her chin and her green eyes meet his. Morgana retains the grace of a cat as she smiles and holds out her hand.

Merlin is hesitant but bends down, as he does she snarls, springing forward and plunging a dagger into his leg. Teeth bared and fingers clawed, she launches herself at him as he falls.

He lets go of the staff as he crashes to the floor. The end bounces off the cobbles and the trajectory changes. There is a moment when she looks in horror, eyes wide, then the pointed tip of the staff pierces her heart. The stake goes straight through her torso, disbelief ghosting her features before she explodes into dust.

The staff clatters to the floor. The witch is gone, no more than ash on the wind. The warlock is flat on his back, still in shock, watching the black mist dissipate. He's won but he takes no pleasure in it. Morgana was the instrument of her own destruction - still it felt like a failure on his part.

The courtyard is silent. Previously, victory had brought cheers, now the crowd has seen his face and they stand in judgement, cold and indifferent. He rolls onto his side, fingers curling around the wooden staff, pulling himself upright. He can barely stand but he refuses to fall until Arthur has spoken.

Merlin looks toward his king, the only one whose opinion matters. He has forced Arthur's hand - something he never wanted to do - and he must face the consequences. Perhaps it's time for the truth. He cannot run, he does not bow or use the last of his magic to disappear. He stays in the middle of the square and waits.

Arthur strides toward him, his face unreadable. He stops inches from Merlin.

"This man has been at my side for years. He has magic." Arthur's voice rings out in the silence of the courtyard. "Merlin Emrys is loyal to this city and defends our home as fiercely as any knight. He is my friend, my brother and protector. A true servant of Camelot."

The king of Camelot drops to one knee, head bowed. Seconds later the knights come forward and join him. The onlookers bow their heads.

Merlin has tears in his eyes and cannot speak. His gaze is drawn to the one figure who is still upright, Gaius. The physician smiles and starts a slow clap. The people join him, the pace quickens and the king rises. A hush descends as Arthur walks toward Merlin and grasps his hand, lifting it high in the air.

"For the love of Camelot!"

The crowd erupts and Arthur pulls his friend into an embrace which at that moment is the only thing keeping the warlock on his feet. Over the racket Arthur leans in and whispers:

"I think I can lift the ban on magic; the people are ready."

THE END

So, there you have it - all done! To all those who read the original drabble and requested more this is dedicated to you - you guys made it happen. Ddiwerth, staymagical, thebondgirl, TheRavenclawGem, mersan123, oma13, Miss Geek, Aaronna and Larien Elanesse - I hope it has lived up to your expectations and you have enjoyed the ride!

I think I have maybe one more Merlin story in me. I've been working on a cannon based modern reincarnation fic called 'Whispers' there is a teaser pic over on A03 if anyone is interested in addition to two pictures to go with the epilogue on Omens.