Merlin Season 6

Episode 1: Return of the King (part 1)

Every muscle in Merlin's wrinkled, old body burned as he made his way up the steep mountainside. His breathing was labored and his joints ached with every uphill step. He had been waiting for this moment for over a thousand years; it would take more than burning muscles and aching joints to stop him now. He must accomplished what he set out to do, so with a determined growl, he persevered higher and higher. Rain began to pound down on his white haired head. He cursed the sky, too tired to perform a spell to stop the rain. Fate seemed to be against him, but it would not prevail this time.

The rain slowed just as Merlin reached the top of the black mountain. The wind picked up, whipping around, howling in Merlin's ears. Merlin's footing remained steady as his long maroon robe thrashed wildly in the wind. He reached into his rob and pulled out a slender wine bottle, sealed with a cork. Inside the bottle, a floating blue light swirled around violently.

Merlin placed the bottle on a large rock and then sat down next to it. It wouldn't be long now; and he was right. Not a minute past before he saw two more blue glowing lights floating down toward him from off in the distance. Picking up the bottle, Merlin held it close to his chest. He smiled to himself. The wind ceased and a calm silence settled in.

The blue lights drew nearer and began to change. Slowly they morphed, stretching out until two small children, with radiant blue skin, stood in midair. One was a girl with long hair and round eyes and the other was a boy with an upturned nose and wild hair. Neither one looked at Merlin, their eyes were focused on the bottle that he now gripped even tighter.

"I thought you would come," Merlin said in his raspy voice breaking the eerie silence.

The girl looked up at him and then said, "Why do you hold one of our kind captive?"

The boy also looked up with a challenging glare.

Merlin gave them a wrinkled, dazzling smile before he held out the bottle and popped open the top. The blue light in the bottle zoomed through the opening and landed on the other side of the girl, morphing into another small boy. Part of the boy's hair fell over his left eye, but the right eye looked up at Merlin in surprise.

"Captive, you say?" Merlin laughed. "I rescued one of your kind who was growing far too curious while poking his nose around a humans. He was lucky I had been looking for one of your kind for some time now or I might not have sensed him."

There was no gratitude on any of the children's faces. The girl floated forward, "Then why bring him up here to release him?"

Merlin gripped at the pain in his back and sat back down. "Because, as I said, I have been seeking your kind for some time. I wish to speak with you about something."

The wild hair boy scoffed, "You seek a favor."

Turning to the boy, Merlin's smile turned a little devilish, "Yes," he admitted with no guile. "And you just so happen to owe me one now."

The boy Merlin had rescued brows creased together, "A debt I am willing to pay." Then he smiled, "But be careful Emrys, a favor granted by the Aos Si never turns out as expected."

Merlin gave a nod that he understood.

Back in time-

Merlin stumbled through the lush green forest barely able to walk or even breathe as raw anguish drained him of strength and caused a hard lump to lodge in his throat. His eyes were filled with tears and they ran down his face like a stream over stones. He took one more step before another wave of grief forced him to his knees. He covered his face with his hands and let out a loud mournful groan. It had been only a day since he had lost his best friend, a man that felt more like a brother than his king. He had failed his mission and now Arthur would never fulfill his destiny.

Albion had yet to be joined in peace. Though the war between the kingdoms was finally over, a greater fear swept the land, dividing the people. Morgause, Morgana and Mordred had left a taint in the land. With all the death and destruction they left in their wake, the fear of magic now reached to every corner of every kingdom. Druids were being driven into mountains and forests, no longer welcome in any kingdom.

All Merlin's hopes and dreams for his kind crumbled as Arthur died in his arms. What was he to do now? How was he to go on? He had failed to stop Mordred, even knowing all he knew, he failed. Everything he did only ensured Arthur's end. All was lost.

The sound of his name spoken on the wind snapped Merlin out of his painful thoughts. He looked around only to find he was alone in the vast forest. Then he heard it again, his name, it echoed through the trees and started to speak to him.

"All is not lost, young warlock," the wind spoke as it howled. "There is a way to bring the young king back, but you must hurry."

"Who are you?" Merlin came to his feet, not sure if he was going crazy.

"Follow the direction the wind carries you and we will be there."

Merlin turned around and around again, "Who's we?"

"HURRY! The king has been dead for far too long already, hurry!"

A gust of wind swirled around Merlin and then headed west carrying fallen leaves in its current. New hope filled Merlin's chest, giving him strength to move. He started out walking and then picked up speed, soon he was jogging and then running and jumping over boulders, fallen branches and roots. No matter how impossible, or foolish it seemed, if there was a way to save Arthur, to bring him back he would find it.

After running for what felt like hours, and maybe it had been hours, the wind ceased leaving Merlin standing before a gathering of oddly shaped trees. The gathering of moss covered trees before him twisted around each other like tightly wound ropes all the way to the very top, leaving no space between the trees. Merlin climbed down the hill, making his way to the base of the trees. He carefully placed a hand on the spiraling trunks and then pulled back when the tree trunks pulled apart creating a small opening, just big enough for him to slide his tall, lanky body through.

Without another thought, Merlin shimmied his body into the "S" shaped crevice until he reached a hollow clearing in the middle of the trees. As soon as he was through, the small opening closed swallowing Merlin in darkness. High in the air three blue lights appeared. They flickered and circled overhead until they hovered before Merlin. Then the lights stretched and pulled until they made the shape of three thin human figures. The three figures slowly morphed into three small children engulfed in blue light. Two young boys floated on both sides of a little girl with long hair. They each wore long robes.

"We are the Aos Si, beings of the invisible world; where past, present and future exist as one," they spoke in unison. "Few of the living have ever seen us but we have always been able to see the living."

"We have come to pay the debt you have asked of us."

"What debt?" Merlin asked, not sure which child to speak the question to since they spoke together and neither of the three were actually looking at him.

"The king can yet live again. If you hurry."

"You mean, there is a way to bring Arthur back?" Merlin could hardly believe what he was hearing. Was all hope not lost? Was Albion's destiny still possible? "What must I do?"

"Take Exalibur, the sword forged of dragon's breathe that was made for Arthur, and drive it through Arthur's heart, pushing the shard of Mordred's sword from his body. Then take this," the young boy on the right held open his hand and a dark blue flower with five pointed petals was revealed. "This is a Moon Flower, a flower only found in our world. In its petals holds the greatest healing powers ever known. Place it over his heart and it will heal Arthur."

"But Arthur is already dead," Merlin pointed out. "Even if his body is healed, it won't bring him back."

"Arthur has not yet finished his journey to the world of the dead. You must call him back before midnight, if you fail to do so in time, the door to the other world will be closed and Arthur, the once and future king, will be lost for good."

"How? How do I call him back?"

"Speak on the wind, for only the wind travels between worlds and is fast enough to reach him in time."

Merlin rubbed a hand over his face out of frustration, "I don't know how to speak on the wind."

The children grew larger until they towered over Merlin. "YOU ARE EMRYS," their collective voices shook the leaves on the trees, "THE MOST POWERFUL WARLOCK EVER FORETOLD, NOW AND FOREVER." Then they shrunk down to normal children size again, "You must find a way."

The young boy held out the Moon Flower again, this time Merlin took it. He turned around when he heard the sliver between the trees open, revealing his way out. When he turned back to thank the children they were gone. Above Merlin they circled, rising farther into the air.

Merlin shimmied back through the twisted trees, carefully holding the flower in his right hand. Once through, he raced as fast as he could back to Avalon, where he had left Arthur's body floating on the water in a small boat. As he ran the wind spoke to him again.

"Fair warning, young warlock, the price of bringing Arthur back to the world of the living will cause far greater destruction to the people of the Old Religion than ever before. As we have already warned you once. The final war fought against those of magic will now begin with the resurrection of your king. Are you willing to accept that fate, bare it on your shoulders alone?"

Then the voice on the wind was gone. As Merlin ran, he pondered the warning of the Aos Si. Arthur was a righteous king, how could bringing him back cause more harm to Merlin's kind? Were the Aos Si saying that Arthur would also declare war on those who possessed magic? Merlin paused in his flight, wondering momentarily what the right thing to do was. Then without further hesitation he continued to Avalon. He could never believe that Arthur's existence in the world would cause more destruction and death to his kind. Merlin didn't understand the warning of the Aos Si but it would not stop him from bringing Arthur back.

Hours later, Merlin broke through the outline of trees before Avalon. He was sweating from head to toe and breathing more heavily than ever before. He would not allow exhaustion to take over him now. As he approached the lake, to his great relief, the boat carrying Arthur's body was already washed ashore. Merlin looked out over the lake. A slender, pale arm pierced the black surface, holding Excalibur high. With the flick of a delicate wrist, the sword spun through the air and landed in the ground with the hilt of the fine blade towards the heavens.

It was late into the night, the moon shone brightly overhead glistening on the dark water. As Merlin made his way to Arthur's side, he prayed time was not up, that midnight had not come yet. Merlin pulled the boat farther on land and then tipped it over rolling Arthur's lifeless body onto the cold, wet ground. Arthur lay motionless on his back. He took off Arthur's chain mail and laid it down. Merlin then grabbed the sword and stood over Arthur, hardly believing what he was about to do. Not that it matter, Arthur was dead after all. He held the sword high and then swiftly brought it down stabbing through Arthur's ribcage and then his heart. He heard a faint Clink! of metal colliding with metal.

With great effort he tried to pull the sword from Arthur's body, this was finally accomplished after he placed one muddy boot on Arthur's chest for further leverage. He turned Arthur over and lying beneath Arthur in the grass covered in dark blood was the small metal sliver from Mordred's sword. Merlin picked it up and threw it. Then he tore open Arthur's shirt and placed the flower over his heart. The five pointed petals of the Moon Flower slowly laid flat against Arthur's chest. The flower brightened until it was the color of the midday sky and then it quickly wilted into dust. The wound was completely gone, Arthur was healed.

"Now the hard part," Merlin said. "For once in your life, you arrogant clot pole, you better listen to me."

"Speak on the wind," Merlin told himself. He waited with his eyes closed for some kind of answer to come to him. He felt a soft breeze circle around him. When he opened his eyes they shined gold and he spoke an incantation commanding the wind to obey him. Then he said, "Arthur, turn around, now. You need to come back, please listen. Arthur! You're time on earth is not over, come back."

Merlin commanded the wind to find Arthur and sat back on his heels doing the only thing he could do—wait. The longest couple of minutes in Merlin's short life past.

Then, without warning, Arthur inhaled a long raspy breath.

"Arthur," Merlin called holding Arthur's head in his lap. Tears of joy began to stream down Merlin's face. "Arthur, you're alive."

"Water," Arthur croaked as he tried to swallow.

"Right," Merlin carefully lay Arthur's head down and ran towards the lake. He cupped as much water in his hands as he could and brought it to Arthur.

Arthur drank and then rested his head back down. One eye squinted open looking up at Merlin. "Merlin?"

"Yes, Arthur, it's me. I'm here?"

"When's the last time you bathed, you wreak of something dead."

Merlin's lips pursed before he said, "I think that's you, you're smelling."

Arthur gave Merlin a wearied glare before his head fell back on Merlin's lap, he was out cold, but alive.

Arthur's eyes fluttered open. Bright, warm light filled his vision. He squinted, blocking out most of the light until his eyes adjusted. After a few moments, he was able to open his eyes all the way. His surroundings were familiar to him. He was in Camelot in his bed. He groaned as he tried to sit up, but found he had no strength to do so.

"Arthur!" he heard a sweet voice cry.

Guinevere, who had been sleeping in a chair at the long table in the room, rushed to Arthur's side. "Arthur," she cried again wrapping her arms around his neck. "You've come back to me." She kissed him soundly on the mouth and then buried her head at the nape of his neck, weeping with joy.

Arthur managed to lift an arm and wrap it around his wife. He took a deep breath through his nose, smelling the lavender oil she used for her hands. "How long was I gone?"

Pulling away a little, Gwen looked deep into her husband's blue eyes. She wiped at the remaining tears. "You and Merlin had been missing for over two weeks. When Gaius returned with your ring a day after we won the war, he told us that you had been severely injured and most likely would not return. We waited for over a week and heard nothing of your whereabouts or what had happen to you both. We could only assume you were dead, though I did not want to believe it. Because of all the turmoil throughout the kingdoms, Camelot needed a leader so they crowned me Queen of Camelot and your successor. But you have returned, Merlin brought you back to me alive as he's always done."

Arthur frowned, "Where is Merlin?"

With an amused smile, Gwen answered, "More than likely pacing up and down every hallway besides the one outside this chamber. I had to send him elsewhere, I couldn't take him constantly peeking in to see if you were awake yet. He returned with you two nights ago, he said you had suffered a fatal blow by Mordred but the sorcerer Emrys healed you."

"Emrys?" Arthur quirked a brow, as if trying to remember something.

"Yes, and he said that you have been in and out of consciousness these last weeks. With the few men left of the Saxon's army searching for you, it took Merlin two weeks to make it to Camelot undetected."

Arthur nodded.

"He is very anxious to see." Gwen kissed Arthur on the forehead, "I'll go fetch him."

She got up to leave but Arthur grabbed her wrist, "No," he said too quickly.

Gwen looked back at him with a quizzical brow.

"I..." Arthur's eyes wondered about the room, "I would like some breakfast first and then I wish to speak with you about something before I see Merlin."

The questioning look did not leave Gwen's face but she did as her husband wished and called a servant to fetch Arthur some breakfast.

Ten minutes later, Arthur sat up in bed eating off a plate piled with cheese, a warm loaf of bread, ham, sausages, and tomatoes. He ate slowly as Gwen sat beside him watching her husband as he seemed to ponder something with great concentration. When he finished, Gwen took his plate and placed it on the table and then once again joined her husband's side.

"What is it, Arthur?" Gwen asked. "I know you've been through a lot, but I sense something more concerns you than the troubles of Camelot."

Arthur ran a hand through his golden hair, like he was having trouble deciding where to start. Finally he said, "It's Merlin."

Gwen couldn't help letting out a small laugh, "Merlin? Merlin saved your life, Arthur, what could he have done to cause you such concern or displeasure?"

"He's a sorcerer," Arthur blurted out.

Silence followed as Gwen starred at Arthur in disbelief. Arthur starred back without a trace of amusement on his face.

"Are you sure?" Gwen finally asked.

Arthur nodded. "He told me himself and I saw him do magic. He said that he was the sorcerer that stopped the Saxons. He's Emrys. I even heard Morgana call him Emrys before he killed her. He's been lying to me and hiding what he can do and who he really is since we first met."

Not able to sit still any longer, Gwen stood up and paced at the end of the bed. She placed a hand over her stomach as she tried to process this information. "Merlin?" she said in disbelief.

"I know," Arthur agreed. "Merlin, my fool of a servant. It took me a while to accept it. I would never have believed it had I not seen what he can do myself. I saw him blow away two Saxons by raising his arms just like Morgana could do. Gaius told me that he's supposed to be the most powerful sorcerer to ever live."

"Merlin?" Gwen repeated, sounding even more flabbergasted.

Arthur could only nod again.

"And Gaius knows. How long has he known?"

"I don't know, but I'd imagine for quite some time. I remember a time when Gaius refused to tell me Emrys's location because he wished to protect him. Now I see he was protecting Merlin."

Gwen ceased her pacing and sat back down on the bed. "Then he's the one that healed you?"

Arthur nodded once again.

"What are you going to do?" Gwen asked, her face was full of concern. "The kingdom is overcome with the fear of magic. They do not want another Morgana to rise and cause more bloodshed."

Laying his head back against his pillows, Arthur answered, "I don't know. Merlin...he's my friend."

"Do you trust him?"

It took Arthur only a moment to answer, "Yes," then he said, "and no."

"Well, which is it?"

"Both," Arthur concluded. "I trust that Merlin is good, I trust that he will stand by my side; but he has also lied to me, a lot. There is still so much I don't understand and I know there is more that he still hides from me."

Gwen leaned over and kissed Arthur on the cheek. "No matter what you decide, I will always be grateful to him for bringing you back to me."

Arthur wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close.

Merlin had been all over the castle, pacing up and down every hallway and corridor. Gaius had given him odd jobs but they didn't help with the anxiety that he was feeling. He had overheard that Arthur had awoken that morning, it was now night time and he still had not called for Merlin to come. With nothing else to do, Merlin returned to the home he shared with Gaius. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it. Then, not being able to remain still, started pacing the room.

Gaius looked up from the book he was reading and then let out an exasperated sigh. "Merlin, will you stop your incessant pacing and have some dinner. I'm sure Arthur will send for you when he is in need of you."

Taking a seat across from Gaius, Merlin leaned on one hand and said, "That's just it. Whenever Arthur and I would return from some adventure or quest he'd have a million things for me to do, from polishing his armor, to taking notes of our journey as he'd dictate them to me. For days I wouldn't get a moments rest, and now, nothing."

"Arthur has been through a lot," Gaius said soothingly. "He's learned that a man he has trusted above all else has been lying to him, and has magic. A crime that has been punishable by death since he was born. And now all of Camelot, Arthur's people, are in an uproar and fear magic more than ever before."

Merlin glanced up at Gaius, "Is this supposed to help me relax?"

"You must give him time. The fact he hasn't thrown you in the dungeons shows something," Gaius said raising his brows.

Reluctantly, Merlin pulled his plate of food towards him. He began picking at the cheese. "Do you think it's possible that Arthur returning could really bring more pain and suffering to the people of magic like the Aoi Si said it would?"

Gaius again looked up from his book. "The Aoi Si are creatures of the unseen world. Not much is written about them, but it is said that they can freely see our world and appear where and as they wish. They see far more than we can, so I wouldn't discredit their warning."

Merlin's face fell, "Do you believe I shouldn't have brought Arthur back, knowing what it would mean for the people with magic?"

Gaius sighed, then said, "I believe greater persecution and calamity has already fallen on the people of magic because of Morgana, not Arthur. Peace and harmony cannot return to the kingdoms until all the people, including those of the old religion, are united."

"What if Arthur doesn't ever accept magic?"

Just as Gaius opened his mouth to answer, there was a knock at the door.

The door swung open and a soldier stepped into the door frame. "Evening Gaius," then he turned to Merlin, "the king wishes to see you."

Merlin gave Gaius one last anxious look before getting up and following the soldier out the door.

The soldier opened the door to the king's chamber and let Merlin in. Once inside, the soldier shut the door leaving Merlin alone with the king. Arthur sat at the end of the table, he was examining maps when Merlin entered but now he was looking at Merlin with a steady gaze. Merlin gave an awkward bow to which Arthur responded with a slight nod and then indicated that Merlin should take a seat at the table. Merlin did as he was commanded.

Neither spoke for some time and then Arthur cleared his throat and began by saying, "I'd first like to thank you for bringing me back to Camelot alive. You have done a great service to your king. I've heard there were many obstacles on your journey back."

Merlin nodded.

"I have come to a decision about you," Arthur continued leaning back. "But before we can get into any of that, there is something you must explain to me. And it is in your best interest to be completely honest."

Arthur's stern look caused Merlin to swallow a large gulp.

"You have told me that you are the sorcerer Emrys," Arthur said, giving Merlin a look that dared him to deny it. "That being the case...what happened the night my father died, Merlin?" Arthur's expression turned cold.

Merlin's eyes widened. "That was an accident," he replied quickly.

"An accident?" Arthur roared. "Merlin, you killed my father."

"I can explain."

Arthur raised his hands indicating that Merlin should do so and quickly.

"Morgana had Agravaine place a pendant around his neck that would reverse any spell I did," Merlin said hastily, "and cause the opposite to happen." Merlin looked up at Arthur begging him to believe him. "I didn't know, Arthur, I swear. Please believe that. When I did a healing spell..." Merlin held back the torrent of guilt he had been feeling for years and continued, "the pendant reversed it and rapidly caused King Uther's death. I never meant for him to die. I would never want to cause you such pain."

Arthur gave no response, his face was bleak.

"I'm sorry," Merlin added, lowering his head.

Minutes, which felt more like hours, went by before Arthur let out a heavy sigh. When Merlin looked up, Arthur, though sad, nodded that he believed him.

Merlin also let out a sigh, but his was one of great relief.

"Do not let yourself be at ease just yet," Arthur said. "We still have much to discuss." Arthur stood and began pacing the length of the table while Merlin remained in his seat watching him nervously.

"Merlin, you must understand the way I feel. Over the past few years I have had the very closest to me betray me. Morgana, Agravaine and Mordred. Through all of that, you have been a constant at my side. Despite your terrible performance as my servant, you have been a loyal friend. I didn't know how much I relied upon you until the moment you showed me that you, just like them, are not what you seem. I understand why you lied and hid who and what you really are, I do. You explained that to me. But all day long I've been thinking back to all those unexplained moments since you arrived in Camelot, like your luck in gambling," he emphasized. "And I realize you could have been responsible for countless of strange incidents or all of them. I don't know what's real about you anymore."

"I'm still Merlin," Merlin interjected.

"Yes, but you are also Emrys. Who knows what else you've been hiding or still hiding from me." Arthur's gaze was penetrating making Merlin squirm. "I don't know you anymore."

Standing up slowly, Merlin said with conviction, "I am still your loyal servant and I always will be whether you banish me or have me sentenced to death. That will never change, it is my destiny and has been my destiny since the moment I met you."

Arthur looked over Merlin's strong stance. "Why is it your destiny?" he asked.

Merlin frowned as he thought about how to answer that then he said, "In the beginning I didn't want it to be. I thought you were spoiled, selfish, arrogant..."

"Merlin," Arthur warned, rolling his eyes.

With a smile Merlin continued, "But when I saved you the first time, after that witch cast a spell of sleep to come over everyone, that's when I chose it to be my destiny. And even though you were still all those things I said, I learned through serving you that you are also just, kind, and courageous. You always put the needs of your people before your own. You are a king worth serving with all my power."

Arthur's features softened. He lifted one hand and indicated that Merlin should sit back down. Merlin did. "As I said before, I've come to a decision about you."

Merlin went still.

"I believe," Arthur paused for a moment, "that your place is in Camelot, at my side."

Merlin let the second breath he had held in that night.

"I may not know you as I thought," Arthur went on, "but I know you are loyal to me. And I will not forget, nor discount all you have done for Camelot."

A smile pulled at the corners of Merlin's lips.

"But you must understand," Arthur turned to fully face Merlin, "I cannot lift the law that forbids magic. Not now. Not after all that has happened and all that is happening in all the kingdoms."

Frowning, Merlin asked, "What does that mean for me?"

"It means...you must stop using magic as long as you wish to remain my servant and to remain in Camelot. Do I have your word?"

It was clear that Arthur expected Merlin's full cooperation so it came as quite a surprise when Merlin said, "No."

"What?"

"I'm sorry but I can't make that promise."

Arthur sucked in a steady breath, trying very hard not to get angry, before saying, "Think carefully, Merlin."

Merlin stood again, "If I made that promise it would be another lie. Arthur, I was born with magic."

"I understand..."

"No you don't," Merlin interrupted as all his frustration of hiding who he really was came to the surface. "For me to stop using magic is like for you to stop being king or for the knights to stop being brave. Magic fills every part of me. It's who I am."

"It's not who you are. You can still be my awful servant and a loyal friend without magic."

"Maybe you're right," Merlin relented. "Maybe I shouldn't have used magic to save you from those snakes hidden in the shield, or maybe I shouldn't have used magic to save you after you were bitten by the Questing Beast or when Hengist kidnapped Gwen, or how about when Cornelius Sigan was awakened..."

"Merlin."

"What about when you had to get the Golden Trident from the Fisher King..."

"Merlin," Arthur said louder.

"I probably should have just sat on the side lines while the Saxons destroyed everything..."

"MERLIN!" Arthur yelled loud enough, stopping Merlin in his rant.

Merlin slowed his breathing down, letting go of his frustration. Then he said more quietly, "I don't want to lie to you anymore." He lifted his hand towards the torch on the wall and then his eyes glowed gold. The flames danced off the torch, hovered through the air until they rested in Merlin's outstretched hand. The flame continued to burn there.

Arthur's jaw muscles tightened as he watched the flame, but Merlin took no notice. "This is who I really am," Merlin said. "This is how I protect you and Camelot. If magic is required to save your life, I will not fail to use it. So I cannot make that promise."

Arthur walked back over to his seat, his eyes never leaving the flame resting in Merlin's hand and sat back down, "Then you will have to continue hiding it."

Merlin let the flame float back to the torch before sitting as well.

"Are you willing to continue being my manservant, hiding who you are and what you can do? For if you wish to remain near me then you'll have to be very careful, especially now. Because I will have no choice but to follow the law if you are ever found out. The fear of magic has consumed the kingdom and I must protect my people from what they fear or risk them losing faith in me. Are you okay with that?" Arthur waited patiently for Merlin's answer.

"Yes," Merlin responded.

"Then," Arthur came to his feet, "I expect you bright and early tomorrow morning. You have my room to clean, armor to shine. I have a few letters to dictate to you. My horse needs a brush down and the stables are a mess." Arthur smiled.

Merlin stood and bowed low, "Whatever you wish, your highness."

"Get out of here," Arthur retorted, shaking his head.

Merlin left the room just as Gwen came in. She looked at Arthur, raising her brows in question. Arthur returned her look with a reassuring smile.

Merlin went to bed that night feeling the huge weight he had been carrying for far too long, being lifted off his shoulders. He lay his head on his pillow feeling at ease. Morgana was dead, Mordred was dead and Arthur accepted him for who he was. But too soon the Aoi Si warning filled his thoughts and his sleep was not as peaceful as he wished it to be.

Rising early, Merlin got ready and headed towards the door.

"Where are you headed off to so early?" Gaius asked.

Merlin stopped and turned around smiling, "Arthur wanted to see me bright and early this morning."

"You seem oddly cheerful about that."

"I am," Merlin said. "Arthur is giving me a second chance and I don't want to disappoint him. He needs to see that I am the same person I was before."

"So then, why are you showing up on time?" Gaius asked with a playful grin.

Merlin's face turned flat, he said nothing as he opened the door and left.

Once the door closed, Gaius chuckled to himself.

When Merlin arrived at the king and queen's chamber, a little after the sun rose, he found that no one was in there. Merlin could only assume they went out for a ride to watch the sunrise. So he went about his normal cleaning routine. He smiled to himself when he saw all of Gwen's clothes that needed washing piled neatly in a corner while Arthur's clothing were flung about the room.

On the table he noticed a daily schedule for Arthur. It seemed that right after breakfast Arthur was to meet with his knights and discuss the aftermath of the war against the Saxons. Merlin looked down at the clothing in his arms. He saw Arthur's red shirt mixed in the pile. The red shirt was Arthur's favorite to wear underneath his armor. Merlin set the pile down and saw that there was a large tear underneath the left sleeve from Mordred's sword, plus blood stains. It would take too long to repair it, especially since Merlin's sowing skill was average at best. So with a quick glow of his eyes, the shirt weaved back together like it was never torn in the first place, and the stains of blood vanished.

After taking all the clothes he could carry to the wash room, he went to the kitchen and grabbed two plates for Gwen and Arthur just in case they hadn't taken breakfast with them. He inquired of the cook, a round woman with burly forearms and hands two sizes too small for her body, about some fresh bread, which she responded, "Not ready, and it won't be ready since young Patrick here," Merlin saw a boy about the age of twelve, stoking the fire, roll his eyes, "didn't bring the wood inside last night after it was cut, but left it to go play a game with his friends. And the wood got wet from the rain. We barely managed to start the fire and put the bread in."

Merlin muttered a spell under his breath then asked, "When's the last time you checked the bread?"

"A few minutes ago, not even close to turning a light brown."

"Try checking it again," Merlin suggested casually.

"Boy," the cook warned, "I've been cooking for the Pendragon family long before your mother tasted her first sweet roll. I know when bread is not done, the king and queen will have to go without their bread this morning."

Merlin shrugged his shoulders, "No harm in checking again."

The cook placed her hands on her hips and stomped over to the oven. When she pulled the bread out she gasped, "By the heavens, how is that possible?" She quickly pulled the bread out all the way and placed it on the table without saying a word. Merlin ignored her stunned silence and grabbed a loaf, cut it in half, and placed the two pieces on the plates. He grabbed a few more things; some cold sausages, which he also had to warm up, and placed them on the plates and then ran back up stairs.

When he arrived at the royal chamber Arthur and Gwen had just gotten back. Merlin placed their food on the table and then helped Gwen out of her cloak.

"Thank you, Merlin," she said kindly. Then she went over to the table frowning at the food.

Merlin raised a brow, "Is something wrong with your food?"

"No," she responded, "it fact just the opposite. I thought the cook had to dry out the wood before she could use it because it was left out in the rain."

Arthur flung his cloak on the bed and came to look at the hot plates of food. After a moment of thought, he snapped his head in Merlin's direction. Merlin was standing by the door, his head hanging low as he shuffled his feet. "This is what I'm talking about 'strange things.'" He pointed an accusing finger at Merlin.

Merlin glanced from the end of Arthur's finger to Gwen. Gwen was suppressing a smile, "I'm assuming the queen knows."

"Why do you think you haven't been put in the stocks for lying to me?" Arthur said with irritation all over his face. "Besides, I thought you'd be using your magic only when it was needed in a life or death situation."

"I did."

"Really? And how does this," Arthur gestured to the hot plates of food on the table, "qualify as a life or death situation?"

"Well," Merlin began, "you are cranky when you go without breakfast. My life or anyone you come across this morning could be in real danger."

Growling, Arthur took a step toward Merlin.

"See," Merlin stepped back, "I feel threatened already. Maybe you should just say, 'Thank you, Merlin, for providing a hot meal.'"

Arthur grinded his teeth.

"Arthur," Gwen said through a grin, "no harm is done. Merlin only wanted to make sure you were ready for your meeting with the knights. You will need your strength."

As usual, Gwen had a calming effect on her husband. Arthur said nothing else as he sat down and started eating a sausage.

Once the tense moment past Merlin finished cleaning up the room. He paused over Arthur's armor on the floor. The armor was scuffed and full of dents. He quickly glanced at Arthur. Arthur was busy eating and enjoying a conversation with Gwen to pay Merlin any attention. So Merlin muttered a few words and the dents and scuff marks fixed themself. Then he left the armor on a chair and gathered the remaining dirty clothes.

"Merlin," Arthur said, stopping Merlin just as he reached for the door handle. "Don't forget my armor."

"Oh, it's already cleaned and polished," Merlin reached for the door again.

Arthur's brows slanted down, "How it's that possible?"

"You know," Merlin responded, "you didn't use to question me this much."

Arthur stood up, "That's because before, even though I knew when you were hiding something, it was too much of a bother to figure out what it was. But now I know what you are hiding." Arthur walked over to his armor and picked it up. The metal of the armor was so smooth and shiny that it practically, Pinged!. Arthur's nose flared as he looked up at Merlin with a scowl.

Hesitantly, Merlin reached for the door. "I'll come back after you've eaten."

Merlin made a quick exit and then dumped the remaining dirty clothes in the wash room with all the rest he'd brought earlier and headed back home to eat his breakfast. Gaius did not fail to notice Merlin's dark mood, as he plopped himself at the table without a word.

"This morning didn't go as well as you thought?" Gaius inquired with a knowing look.

"All I wanted to do was show Arthur what an efficient servant I make now that he knows I can do magic," Merlin complained. "I fixed his shirt, gave him a hot meal and polished his armor better than a blacksmith, and all he did was get mad at me."

Gaius placed a bowl of porridge in front of Merlin. "Maybe Arthur doesn't want an efficient servant, maybe he just wants his lousy servant back."

Merlin ate his porridge and grumbled to himself as he thought. When he was finished, he returned to Arthur's chamber in low spirits. Arthur was rummaging about the room when he arrived.

"Merlin," Arthur called out, "where are all the shirts?"

"I left you the red one you like to wear," Merlin answered grabbing the red shirt he hung over the dressing screen.

"That one," Arthur said irritated, "has a large tear in it."

Merlin smiled nervously.

"Or does it?" Arthur glared. Rubbing his brow line, he said tiredly, "Just help me dress and put on my armor."

Merlin did as he was told in silence. Once he was done, Arthur left the room without speaking a word or looking at Merlin. Merlin followed quietly behind.

As they were making their way to the Round Table they passed Gwen. She gave Arthur a bow which he returned and then she let him pass and came to walk by Merlin.

"You know why he's upset, don't you?" Gwen whispered.

"Yeah, he doesn't know what to think of me anymore," Merlin mumbled. "I showed him too much of who I really am, too soon."

"That is not the reason."

"It's not?"

"No," Gwen smiled as she stepped in front of Merlin forcing him to stop. "He's worried that you'll get caught and then what is he to do? You're his friend but he also must uphold the laws of Camelot. He doesn't want to lose you." Then she turned and continued walking.

Merlin stood off to the side as the Knights of the Round Table gathered. A melancholy feeling hovered in the room as Gwaine and other knight's chairs were vacant.

Once all had arrived Arthur stood greeting them, "I wish I could stand before you and be joyful, for the war against the Saxons is won. But far too many lives have been lost for me to feel that joy, so I will say this, I am honored to have led the most bravest and valiant of knights into battle. Each of you should be proud, for you fought with more courage and with more vigor than ever before and all of Camelot, including myself, owes you their gratitude. Our victory against the Saxons will go down in history."

Arthur paused for a moment looking deep in thought before continuing. "There are those among us in this room whose heroic deeds may never be known, but without them, Camelot and all hope would have been lost."

Merlin's head snapped up, he saw that Gwen was looking at him with a proud smile.

Arthur's focus remained on his knights as he spoke. "To those of you who have fought against the enemies of Camelot for many years, selflessly, bravely and without any thought of glory or praise as your acts of service went invisible to all those around you. Who has persevered, even while being mocked or mistreated..."

Glances of confusion went between the knights as they wonder who Arthur could be speaking about.

"To them," Arthur said sincerely, "I give my deepest gratitude. To them, I owe a great debt I can never hope to repay."

Merlin's eyes stung, his body began to shake. Arthur couldn't really be speaking about him, could he? Merlin tightly shut his eyes as he hung his head down. His heart pounded loudly in his ears. Was Arthur really thanking him publicly?

A gentle hand brought Merlin back. Gaius was looking at him with concern. Reading Merlin's question which was written plainly all over his face, Gaius nodded, yes.

Remembering that he was still in front of a room full of knights, Merlin wiped at the tears that had gathered in the brim of his eyes. He gained his composure back, just as the large doors to the room flung opened. Two knights barged in with faces covered in blood and fell to the floor. The knights around the table leapt to their feet.

Merlin, Gaius and Arthur hastily made their way around the large table. Gaius knelt down and gently turned one of the knights over. With labored breathing the knight spoke, "Mordred...north of the White Mountains." Then the light was gone from his eyes as he collapsed, dead.

"Gaius?" Arthur said.

Gaius checked both knights for vital signs. He hung his head, "They're gone."

Arthur gave Merlin a weary look before calling the meeting to adjourn.

A few minutes later, Gaius, Arthur, Merlin, and Gwen retired to Gaius's main room. Gaius hovered over the two dead knights, shaking his head while repeating, "Impossible, simple impossible."

Arthur let out a huff of frustration, "What is impossible?"

"That these men were still alive when they arrived."

"Why would that be impossible?" Gwen asked.

"From what I can tell, the amount of damage on their bodies indicates a large amount of blood loss in a short amount of time. They should have died instantly from their wounds?"

"Is it not more concerning that they reported seeing Mordred near the White Mountains?" Gwen asked.

Arthur threw up a hand, "That is impossible. I killed Mordred. I saw him die."

"Mordred's a sorcerer," Gwen pointed out. "Isn't there a way he might have survived?"

Both Gwen and Arthur rounded on Merlin, who hadn't spoken a word. Merlin looked from Arthur to Gwen.

"Why are you looking at me?" Merlin asked.

"You're a sorcerer," Arthur countered. "Do you not have a theory?"

Gaius stepped in, much to Merlin's relief. "Sorcerer or not, Mordred was still a man, just as mortal as you or I," he told Arthur.

"Perhaps this is some kind of deception," Gwen offered. "Maybe the knights did not see what they thought they saw."

Arthur let out another sigh of frustration. "Then that leaves us no choice but to go to the White Mountains and see if we can make sense of what happened to them and what they saw."

Merlin gazed at Arthur with a nervous look in his eyes.

"What?" Arthur demanded.

"I'm not so sure that is a wise decision. We barely made it back to Camelot safely and now you want to leave again?"

Arthur returned Merlin's look with one of understanding. "Merlin, I understand that getting me back to Camelot alive could not have been easy for you. But until we can put these rumors about Mordred to rest, Camelot and all the villages and towns around it will never feel safe again. I must stop wild rumors and rest my people's fear of magic."

Merlin glanced to the side like he was pondering how to form a question, then he asked, "How do you plan to rest their fear of magic?"

Seeing a glint of fear pass in Merlin's eyes, Arthur answered firmly, "I will not become my father, if that is what you are worried about."

Merlin looked up to see Arthur's determined face and then he nodded.

"But I will make sure that Mordred is dead and Morgana's disease that has infested my kingdom is wiped out."

"Then I am coming with you," Merlin said.

Arthur smiled, "I don't think you'd allow yourself to be left behind even if I commanded it."

"True. But at least now you are aware of how valuable my company is," Merlin smiled proudly.

"Now who's the arrogant one?" Arthur gave Merlin a sound slug in the arm.

The next morning Arthur, Merlin and a band of knights left Camelot riding towards the White Mountains. By midday they came upon a small village. A man saw their approach and stopped whatever he was doing and ran up to King Arthur and bowed. He was a short and stout man with shaggy brown hair. Dark circles were under his eyes and his face looked pale with fear. Arthur raised his arm and the band of knights came to a halt.

"Your majesty," he began. "I am a humble farmer. But my family cannot farm for fear of being taken by magical flying creatures. Please take pity on us. Though rumors say that the witch, Morgana, is dead, yet her curse still remains as thick as autumn's fog in the land. What are you going to do?"

"Yes," a frail looking woman cried. She was holding an infant close to her chest as she drew closer. "What are you going to do?"

More and more villagers gathered around their small band demanding that King Arthur find a way to put an end to this magic. But one grief stricken man stood out among the rest. With eyes red and puffy he came forward.

"Sire, three nights ago a creature with black wings like a bat, the face of a wolf and the body of a man came and took my daughter while she was getting water at the well. I can still hear the creature shrieks echoing through my bones and the cry of my daughter as she was carried off."

Arthur's gaze was steady as the man spoke but Merlin's chest began to rise and fall more rapidly.

The man slowly raised his head, his face radiating raw anger and fear. "Your father knew how to handle this outbreak of magic, but ever since you've become king, magic has begun to run wild in the kingdom again. And we, unprotected by the walls of Camelot are the ones that suffer. It is your responsibility to protect us. How do you plan to do that?"

Again the villagers cried out together demanding an answer. But Merlin's heart turned to ice when one yelled, "All those of the old religion should burn!"

Arthur said nothing to the villagers but a dark cloud seemed to hangover him. He ordered two of the knights to stay behind and protect the villagers.

As they left the village Arthur said to Merlin, "This is madness. Never before have I witnessed so great a fear of magic. It's more than fear caused by Morgana's tyranny. We need to get to the bottom of this now."

Merlin could only nod with agreement.

As they passed through more villages that day they found the same fear was present along with more reports of magical creatures terrorizing villages. Again, Arthur left knights behind. By night fall they had made it to the base of the White Mountains. A fire was started and the few knights that remained with their camp, including Leon and Percival, settled down for the night.

Merlin stirred the stew, once it was done he filled up the knights' bowls with its creamy broth and chunks of potatoes and meat. As he reached for Arthur's bowl Arthur said, "I'm not hungry."

"Arthur," Merlin said. "You need your strength if you are going to help your people."

Arthur growled and stood, "I said I'm not hungry."

The knights looked between each other. Merlin came to his feet and followed Arthur a distance away from the fire. Percival called out behind him, "Ask him if I can have his share?" Which earned him a punch from Leon.

When Merlin came to stand beside Arthur, who was gazing up at a bright half-moon, he asked, "What am I to do, Merlin?"

Merlin remained quiet.

"I have tried to be a better king than my father. I have tried to show more compassion, equality and understanding. But they are now demanding that I become my father. What am I to do?"

Still Merlin said nothing.

After a few minutes past, Arthur sighed. "You know," he said sounding irritated, "you've never been one to keep your opinions to yourself, no matter how unwelcome they were, and now that I am asking for them you can't offer one tiny bit of advice?"

"When I first came to Camelot," Merlin started, "I knew the risk of being so close to the king and his son, knowing what I am and what I can do. There were times you were like your father and times you were not. There were good things about your father, Arthur, and there were things that were not. No king is perfect. But I have come to trust you as my king. So whatever you decide, I will follow."

Arthur watched Merlin walk away with a look a pure astonishment and awe at the amount of trust Merlin placed in him. A few moments later he returned to the camp fire. "Percival, you had better not have eaten my portion or you will be in the stocks when we get back."

The next morning, Arthur, Merlin and the knights had not been awake long before they found themselves on the run from three gigantic orange beasts. The knight on lookout barely had a chance to warn their camp before the beasts were upon them. As they ran, Merlin purposely fell behind. They would never be able to out run the beasts that had long muscular legs and wide mouths full of long, sharp teeth. Each cat-like creature had a long tail with spikes on the ends.

Merlin stood his ground as the cat-like beasts were quickly approaching. His eyes blazed gold as he whispered the spell.

Arthur turned around just in time to see Merlin raise his hands and a line of fire rose blocking the cat-like beasts. None of the knights noticed as they continued to run for their lives. They didn't stop until they came to a rocky slope that led down to a cave. They climbed/slid down the slope. Once in the cave they were able to catch their breath. Merlin was the last to slide down the slope and into the cave.

"Well that was luck we got away," Percival said.

"Uh-huh," Arthur agreed looking at Merlin, "luck."

"Why do you suppose there are so many magical creatures here?" Leon asked.

"I don't know," Arthur answered, "but they seem to be increasing in number the closer we come to the White Mountains."

A loud shriek pierced the air causing them all to jump. The cave walls vibrated. The knights ran outside as a dark creature flew overhead. Merlin saw that the creature had the face of a rat with long front teeth and the body of a long, bony man. The creature's black wings flapped as it soared overhead.

"What was that," Leon asked. He shivered, "Its face was distorted and slimly like a slug."

"A slug?" Percival asked. "I clearly saw it had slit eyes and the tongue of a snake."

The knights began to argue about what they each saw, for clearly they all so something different. The only thing they agreed on was that it had the wings of a bat and the body of a man.

Arthur watched as blood appeared to drain from Merlin's face, "What is it?"

"A Shrieker," Merlin said. "I read about it in one of Gaius's books."

"What is a Shrieker?"

"It's a magical creature that takes the form of your fear. I, for one, am not so fond of rats. With its call, a Shrieker can control all other magical creatures."

"So the Shrieker is the one controlling all these magical creatures, making them attack. But where did it come from?"

Merlin shook his head, "I don't know. I only glanced at the page because at the time I was looking for something else."

"Then we hunt this Shrieker down and kill it," Percival said.

"That would be unwise without knowing how," Merlin argued. "There is a reason the other magical creatures fear it."

"Then what do we do?"

Just then, a young girl's cry was heard within the cave.

"That could be the villager's daughter," Leon suggested.

Arthur agreed. "We'll check it out and then decide what to do."

The knights each gathered a stick and covered the end with moss to create torches. With a stone they lit their torches then proceeded deeper into the cave moving quietly. When they came upon four different paths they split into twos. Merlin and Arthur headed down the far right cave.

"I hope this isn't a trap," Merlin gulped.

"Trap or not, if there is a chance the girl is alive we must take it."

As they made their way down the path, Merlin asked, "What face did you see on the Shrieker?"

"Nothing as terrifying as your rat," he mocked, clearly avoiding the question.

Merlin huffed, "Rats carry germs and they can get as big as a boot, with long wormy tails." Merlin shivered.

Turning around, Arthur said, "Yes they do carry germs. And that makes me wonder how big and disease infested was that rat you fed me one time?"

Merlin smiled guiltily and then said, as he moved passed Arthur, "Well if you don't want to talk about what you saw, you could have just said so."

Another scream echoed through the rock tunnel. Merlin and Arthur ran in the direction of the cry. But then Merlin heard something that turned his veins to ice, it was a voice in his head, a familiar voice that whispered, "Emrys."

"Mordred," Merlin hissed, coming to a stop as Arthur continued ahead.

Merlin turned around and saw the flash of a gray cloak disappear into a narrow opening. Merlin hesitated before following. He slid through the narrow path and came to a large cavern. Rays of light cascaded down through two small slits in the ceiling. On the other side, Merlin saw the figure of a man in a cloak standing a foot away from the rays of light.

Merlin approached cautiously. The man turned around and though the face was gaunt with purple circles under the eyes, there was no mistaking the face of Mordred.

"Emrys," Mordred said aloud this time. "It is good to see you."

Enjoying my fanfic?

Check out my first published novel, A GRIM AWAKENING: THE FOREST OF HOLLOW. It is now up for sale. If you are interested, search it up on Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. Also, there is a book trailer on Youtube.

Here is a synopsis -

Awaken to a grim world once hidden before your eyes.

There must be something wrong with 13-year-old, Ian Grim. Why else would Mitchel Trent, who everyone believes to be the nicest guy in school, bully him? Why did everyone at school give him nasty looks and whisper about him in spiteful gossip? Even teachers didn't like him. They always made him sit in the far corner of their classrooms where it was easy to ignore him. Even more hurtful, was the fact that Ian's own father blatantly ignored him. If it wasn't for his loving mother; his fun, yet psycho, younger brother; and his own sparkling sarcastic personality; Ian might think his life was a bit difficult. That is, until his mother goes missing one night.

In a twist of cruel irony, his father finally pays Ian's some attention only to threaten his life and force him on the run. Desperate for answers, Ian is compelled to accept help from Mitchel, the "nice" bully from school. That's when Ian learns that his mother was taken by the Reaper.

If Ian wishes to save his mother, he must first survive his father. And in order to do that, he will need to learn of the spirit world, discover his own power, and embrace his role in an ongoing shadow war, before the Reaper tears his world apart.