My dear readers, we have arrived. The final chapter of this story. I am so greatly appreciative of the loyal followers to this story who supported me at every step! I am glad you all enjoyed the content, and I'm touched by your comments. Please enjoy this chapter as always, and I hope you find it a suitable end. Wait for a surprise appearance in the final section ;)

Once again, I hope you enjoy this final chapter, for this is farewell. Please feel free to browse my other stories if you'd like to read more. As always, reviews are very much appreciated! Without further ado, read on...

"My good people of Camelot, I address you today as your King, and I bear grave news...Today is a dark day for our kingdom. The respected and beloved Sir Terrowin was very tragically killed yesterday evening in the chaos of the escaped convict. It was this cursed fugitive that so brutally slaughtered such a kind and dedicated associate of Camelot. He vowed to eradicate the magical disease from our kingdom's borders, and that he did. Though, the price was his own life. Sir Terrowin was the most renowned witch hunter in all of the lands. He sacrificed his life to rid our world of magic, but his reign has ended now. I pray another may find the courage to accept such a well lit torch, for Sir Terrowin's humble nature and thorough methods will never be replicated. A funeral service has been scheduled for this evening, where Camelot's Prince, Arthur, will light the funeral pyre to ensure a proper send off for our kingdom's dear friend. In relation to the convict, he has been rightfully killed following yesteday's attack. Sir Terrowin, with his dying breath, ensured that the fugitive and his pestly magic were eliminated from Camelot. In turn, Sir Terrowin also rescued my son from the convict, Edmund's, deadly hold. Edmund was holding Prince Arthur and his servant boy captive until Sir Terrowin found and freed them. His bold sacrifice wasn't for naught, as Edmund was met with a justified death. Let us remember this brave man for his unmatched assistance to Camelot. He will never be forgotten as long as Camelot stands."

Uther's words rang throughout the town square. A large crowd had gathered to hear their king speak. The knights had successfully calmed the civilians after yesterday's madness. King Uther disappeared back into his chambers from his position on the balcony, and the citizens resumed their daily routines.

Gaius and Merlin watched from the doorway to their home. Merlin sat on a chair, resting and recovering, as Gaius shook his head disapprovingly.

"Kind and brave man?" he scoffed, "Pfft. Terrowin was a menace."

"Uther adored him," Merlin shrugged, "and he wishes for everyone to remember him that way as well."

"Ridiculous, all he did was bring about chaos and fear. The man is no martyr."

"He killed innocent," Merlin sighed, "Edmund…"

Gaius placed a consoling hand on Merlin's shoulder, "I know you are still grieving, Merlin, I am sorry you had to experience such a traumatic ordeal. Perhaps I can conjure another sleeping potion? It should help with your recovery and ease your mind."

Merlin shook his head, "Thank you, Gaius, but I do not want to forget the pain. It helps me to continue. I think of Edmund and I am reminded of my destiny to protect Arthur, Camelot, and its people."

Gaius smiled, "I am proud of you, Merlin, and I commend you for standing up to Terrowin despite the frightening circumstances.

"I would accept your praise if only Edmund was still alive…"

Merlin saw a familiar blonde-haired Prince in the distance. Arthur walked straight towards their dwelling through the regular horde of people. It was strange to see everyone continuing their daily ordeals, even though so much had transpired.

Gaius saw Arthur approaching and dipped his head to Merlin to excuse himself. He stepped inside their home, allowing some privacy between Merlin and Arthur.

Arthur was grateful he could finally catch Merlin alone. It was as if days had passed since he'd last seen his servant. The familiar pixie-like features, mop of black hair, twinkling eyes, and crooked smile stared him up and down as he approached. Arthur was dressed casually without his armor. It was a day of mourning, therefore no royal duties were to be carried out for the remainder of the day.

"Merlin," Arthur called as he closed the distance. Merlin was seated in a chair, arm in a sling, and sitting stiffly to mind his injury. Nevertheless, he smirked as the Prince approached, "Finally, I've caught you alone."

"Missed me already?" Merlin joked.

"Do not fool yourself," Arthur replied playfully, "I've come to check on your recovery process. How are you healing?"

"As quickly as I can," he responded, "the wound on my arm should heal in a few days. The stab wound shall take longer. Gaius' stitches tore during yesterday's...ordeal."

"Yes," Arthur said stiffly, looking at him boots, "Well, I am pleased to hear you are...healing."

"Thank you," Merlin said with a laugh. He knew it was the closest the Prince would get to saying he was happy Merlin was okay so they could resume their old relationship again without the fear and stress of a mad witch hunter.

Arthur cracked a smile too.

"Arthur," Merlin's tone grew serious, "I did not get the opportunity to thank you or Gwaine for rescuing me in the forest that one night. Without you both, I would have died in those woods."

Arthur nodded, embarrassed by the praise, "Well, of course. I'd hope that if I were in similar circumstances...I'd have you to rely upon as well."

"You do," Merlin nodded firmly. He was to protect Arthur at all costs, "Edmund's family...are they?"

"Safe," Arthur assured, "I've visited them personally and told them that though such horrible words are being said about Edmund, he was the true hero of Camelot."

"It is a shame that cannot be known," Merlin sighed, feeling his pain returning.

"That is the will of my father," Arthur's shoulders sagged slightly, "that is how it must be."

"Does he know the true events that transpired?"

"If he does, he chooses not to acknowledge it."

Merlin sat in silence, feeling mixed emotions run through him.

"Though this entire experience has opened my perspective on magic," Arthur continued.

"Really?" Merlin asked, with a little hope in his voice.

The Prince nodded, "I've realized that magic is more dangerous then I could have ever believed. It has brought nothing but pain, injury, madness, and death to this kingdom. I will ensure with everything in my power when I take the seat as king that magic will have no place in Camelot. Edmund may have been a kind man, I do admit, but his family was torn apart by magic. It has no place here, and I will assure it remains that way."

Merlin hung his head, "Of course, sire."

Arthur nodded and his tone grew light, "So when will your lazy backside be ready to clean the stables, clean my armor, make my bed, prepare my dinner, and arrange my sword practices again?"

Merlin rolled his eyes, "I appreciate your concern for my recovery. You know, it wouldn't kill you to wash your own clothes from time to time."

"You are right, it wouldn't kill me," Arthur smiled, "I would kill you."

"Please," Merlin scoffed playfully, "Terrowin already tried. You won't be able to get rid of me that easily."

"So it seems," Arthur started to walk back towards the castle as the two unlikely friends hurled joking insults at one another.

Just like old times.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Deep inside the dark forests surrounding Camelot, underneath blackened trees and gnarled roots, a frightening lair lurked.

Mold and moss crawled up the cavern walls as posionous roots, dangerous herbs, sharp thorns, dead creatures, and other items of dark magic lingered on the rough, forgotten furniture.

Something evil resided in this witch's lair.

"NOOOO!"

Lady Morgana slammed her fists on the blackened table top. Her disgusting ingredients rattled on the surface. Her crazed, evil green eyes burned and her black hair matched her frighteningly dark coat.

"That Merlin has stopped me again! Prince Arthur still lives, Terrowin has failed me!"

She snarled with anger, pacing her lair with hate radiating from her.

"I gave that pathetic witch hunter a simple order. Kill the servant Merlin and take Arthur's throne. Camelot was nearly ours, it was right at our fingertips!"

She yelled in frustration once more. A nearby crow squawked.

"Terrown may have failed me, but Camelot will be mine. I will see Arthur's blood run red at my feet. Uther will pay, Merlin will pay, Gaius will pay - they all will bow to me, their rightful Queen!"

She cackeld with crazed delight.

"Sir Terrowin was only the beginning," she whispered evilly to herself, "I will sit upon Camelot's throne as reigning Queen. Time holds my accomplishments. Until then, that wretched Merlin will live…."

She stood before a crackling fire, holding a gnarled root she threw into a boiling cauldron. It burned with a shriek.

"...but not for long."

THE END

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