The Diamond of the Day Part Two

In a land of myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

The Battle of Camlahn raged on through the night. With the number of soldiers and magical practitioners fighting, it was a shocking sight to see, for never before had there been such a great and terrible war like this one. Though Camelot's armies were helped by all three dragons, the hippogriff and the entire Council of Magic, the battle was still a great one and did not come without difficulty and casualties.

Mordaunt was in the middle of it all and he pressed forward, striking down any who got in his way—whether they be his allies or his foes—for he had no patience for others. He was determined to full his destiny to kill King Arthur, no matter what the cost might've been.

Arthur fought on with Excalibur, defeating many, many of his enemies with his trusted and powerful sword behind him. Just as he was about to attack a gang of men that came straight at him, the enemy was suddenly forced back by a powerful magical force.

Arthur looked up and was both astonished and relieved at the sight of Merlin and Mira-Liana standing on the cliff above him. Their hands were joined and with their free hands, they were casting numerous powerful spells at the enemies that either destroyed them or sent them retreating.

Merlin and Mira-Liana's actions brought forth hope and encouragement to the fighters of Camelot. It raised their spirits and because of this, they fought even harder and more bravely than they did before.

However, soon after this, Arthur fought off more of Agravain's men and found that he'd somehow backed himself into a cave and Mordaunt was facing him. Mordaunt looked furious and determined, and he had a powerful enchanted sword at his side which was not a good combination at all.

"So, we meet again, Mordaunt," said Arthur.

"Just as destiny foretold," said Mordaunt, as he swung his blade in his hand. "And now you will die as I am your bane. Thus fulfilling the prophecy."

Arthur didn't think he was going to die, but didn't say so. Instead he asked, "If I'm going to die, then don't you at least owe me an explanation? You sided with Agravain and betrayed us all after everything we gave you—friends, trust, a home, and a family. Why throw all that away for someone like Agravain?"

Mordaunt let out a bitter laugh as he glared at the king. "We both know it was a lie. None of you ever really trusted me or wanted me in your little group, did you?"

"We did want you," said Arthur.

Despite their initial mistrust, they had all come to care about Mordaunt and consider him part of their family. He'd repaid all that with betrayal of the worst kind.

"It doesn't matter now. Any chance of my destiny changing ended when Kara was slain," said Mordaunt, angrily. The moment he'd lost her, his fate had been sealed. "You took away the only woman I ever loved from me and now I shall help Agravain take away all that you love from you! An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life! Now, face me!"

Arthur had minimal time to react as Mordaunt began to act him. He had barely enough time to block Mordaunt's blade with Excalibur before they launched themselves into a great and fantastic sword fight. After a long and hard fight, Arthur shattered Mordaunt's blade with Excalibur, but then Mordaunt used a spell to disarm Arthur and pin him to the ground. He was about to end Arthur once and for all, when suddenly, Mordaunt was magically flung into the wall and then obliterated into dust by fireball.

Mordaunt had been slain and Arthur lived.

Destiny had been defied.

Arthur was breathing hard as he shakily stood up and turned to see Merlin and Mira-Liana behind him. They looked tired, but no less determined and fierce.

"Ana, Merlin!" said Arthur, relieved to see them. "You're alright!"

He had so many questions to ask them, but he pushed them aside as for the moment, he was just happier to see them alive and safe.

"You're alive," said Mira-Liana, as though Arthur hadn't spoken. "Mordaunt wasn't your bane. We defied destiny. You're alive."

When Arthur saw the tears in his wife's blue eyes, he quickly took her into his arms. She was crying and laughing as he held her.

"Arthur, gads…I-I was so afraid we wouldn't get here in time and I'd lose you," she sobbed.

"Shh," whispered Arthur, as he held her. "It's okay. I'm here. It's alright." He was quite shaken himself as the situation had just settled on him. I almost died. I could've been taken from those I love most. Arthur then looked to see Merlin crying as well. He held out his arm and allowed his brother in all but blood into the embrace.

For a few moments, they remained like that, holding each other and relishing in the fact that they were all still together, alive and well.

"We have to get going," said Merlin, when they broke apart. "Agravain's still out there and the battle's still going on. We need to end this once and for all."

Arthur and Mira-Liana nodded and then together, the three of them went out and rejoined the battle.

XXX

With their powers returned and their assistance given, it wasn't long before Camelot won the Battle of Camlahn and sent the remainders of the Saxons and Agravain's men packing over the hills. Everyone cheered in victory at this and there was great rejoicing in the land.

The knights were especially glad to see the safe return of Merlin and Mira-Liana and were equally happy to see Arthur had survived Mordaunt's attack. They decided to surprise Gwen and the others with this great news.

Leon went into the medicine tent where they were tending to the injured.

"Lady Morgana, Lord Frik, the battle's won," said Leon. "The remaining men are retreating as we've arranged for safe passage back to the castle."

"Good," said Morgana, sighing in relief.

"Has there been any news of Merlin and Mira-Liana or Arthur?" asked Gaius.

Leon sighed dramatically. "I'm afraid to report…" he said, slowly. Then his face lit up into a bright smile. "That they've returned and are just fine."

Just then, Arthur, Merlin and Mira-Liana entered the tent and were met by many tight embraces and tears from their loved ones. Gwen tightly embraced Merlin and showered him with kisses before sharing a deep passionate one with him.

"You came back," she whispered, when they broke apart.

"Did you ever doubt I would?" asked Merlin, as he held her.

Gwen just shook her head before kissing him again.

"I can't believe you're all here and you've got your powers back," said Morgana, smiling. "But what about Mordaunt and Agravain? Are they—"

"Agravain's still missing, but Mordaunt's dead," interrupted Arthur. "Merlin and Ana stopped him before the prophecy could be fulfilled."

"Destiny's been defied once more," said Frik, looking awed. "You two are truly wonders, if I do say so myself."

"And thank the heavens for that," said Gaius. He looked happier than he'd been in a while at having his niece and nephew back and the battle won.

"But what happened to you two?" asked Mordred, curiously. "How did you get your powers back?"

"I don't know if we have time for that story," said Merlin, hesitantly.

"Nonsense. We've got plenty of time," said Gwaine, dismissively. "The battle's won, Mordaunt's dead, everyone's packing up for the trip home and I've got Thunderstorm tracking down Agravain as we speak. So come on, tell us what happened."

Seeing that they'd already gained an eagerly awaiting audience with their loved ones and the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin and Mira-Liana complied with the request. They took their seats and told them what had happened after entering the cave. They spoke of Agravain ambushing them, injuring them and trapping them before they found another way to their destination, how Balinor had come and given them the help they'd needed before regaining their powers, seeing the two futures in the crystal and using the crystal to communicate with Arthur before finally breaking free and rejoining the battle.

Their listeners were quiet and watched in awe for the most part, only interrupting once or twice to ask a few questions. They reacted as they should in all the right places and when the story was done, everyone looked even more amazed than ever.

"You never cease to amaze me, you two," said Arthur, shaking his head. "Is there anything you can't do?"

"Keep out of trouble," said Mira-Liana, making them all laugh. Then she noticed the frown on Frik's face. "Frik, what is it?"

"I just had a thought. How did Agravain know to wait for you at the Crystal Cave?" he asked, frowning still. "Its location and power is known to very few, so how did he know you'd go there to regain your powers? Surely he thought the Eancanah's work was permanent?"

There was a moment's silence as everyone considered the answer to Frik's questions until Gwaine slapped his forehead.

"I'm such an idiot!" he moaned.

"What're you talking about?" asked Arthur.

"The girl I helped in Camelot, Eira. We went out before the battle. She got me drunk and I think I might've let loose some things I shouldn't," said Gwaine, looking ashamed. "She must've been Agravain's newest lackey and told him everything. I'm so sorry, my friends. You nearly died because of me."

"It's not your fault, Gwaine," said Merlin, as he comfortingly squeezed his friend's shoulder. "You didn't know. None of us did."

"Rest assured, she'll be found and dealt with," promised Mira-Liana. She was quite angry with Eira for taking advantage of Gwaine's affections. "Any preferences?"

Gwaine thought for a moment. "Could one of you turn her into a toad?"

"I think that can easily be arranged," said Mordred. "Let me perform a locator spell and then we'll go after her."

At that point, Thunderstorm poked his head into the tent and squawked. The news he'd brought was good. He'd picked up Agravain's trail and the dragons were waiting to speak with Merlin and Mira-Liana.

Merlin and Mira-Liana then left the medicine tent and journeyed to where the dragons were waiting. They were accompanied by their friends and loved ones who wished to keep an eye on them for a little while longer. The three dragons were waiting for them in the clearing, looking a bit tired from the battle but no less happy.

"Kilgarrah, Aithusa, Saefir!" said Mira-Liana, happily as she stroked Saefir, who was nuzzling her. "It's so good to see you, old friends."

"It's good to see you as well, young Dragonlady. There was a moment when we feared for you and your brother," said Kilgarrah.

"You were actually worried?" teased Merlin.

Kilgarrah smirked. "Perhaps," he said. "But it's in the past now, young Dragonlord."

"Indeed," said Arthur. He smiled at them. "Thank you—all of you, for your help in the battle. You helped us secure a victory."

The three dragons just bowed their heads in respect.

"It was our honor and our duty to aid in Camelot's defense," said Kilgarrah. "But now that the battle's won, we have other matters to attend to."

"Agravain," said Morgana, grimly.

Kilgarrah nodded. "We believe he's headed to the Isle of the Blest. He is greatly wounded and has lost everything. He seeks to rebuild himself and his armies there."

"The devil he will," snarled Arthur.

"We need to get to the Isle—fast," said Mira-Liana. She gave Kilgarrah a hopeful look. "Will you aid us once more in this final fight, old friend?"

Kilgarrah nodded. "It would be my honor," he murmured, as Aithusa and Saefire roared in agreement.

"I'm coming with you," said Arthur. He would not leave them alone. They had begun this fight together and they would end it together.

He half-expected Merlin and Mira-Liana to put up a fight and protest, but they didn't.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," said Merlin, grinning

Kilgarrah smiled at this. "You've come so far from the moment you first learnt of your destinies from my father all those years ago. You and Camelot have become everything we have ever dared dream and it will continue to blossom even more under your care. I am so proud of all of you."

"Coming from you, that means everything," said Mordred, as everyone murmured in agreement.

"Come on," said Mira-Liana, as she took Arthur's hand. "We've got a battle to finish. The rest of you return to Camelot. Deal with Eira and assure the people that the battle's won and we'll be home soon."

"We will," said Gaius, smiling. "Good luck.."

They nodded.

Merlin, Mira-Liana and Arthur then got onto Kilgarrah's back and held on tight to one another as the mighty beast took off in the direction of the Isle of the Blessed, accompanied by Aithusa and Saefir. Gaius and the others returned to Camelot with Thunderstorm, intending to finish this once and for all.

XXX

Eira sat in Gwaine's chambers waiting for the knight to return as she hoped to get a little more information from him so Agravain would continue to pay her. She wasn't disappointed as Gwaine then entered the room, looking worn out and ready for some company.

"Gwaine, darling," she said, sweetly. She rose up from where she sat and embraced him. "I was so worried about you. Are you well?"

"I'm fine, thanks," said Gwaine, gruffly as he took off his cloak. "What're you doing here? I thought you'd left."

Eira was caught off-guard by this, but concealed it as she pretended to be a sweet damsel in distress. "I changed my mind. I couldn't leave you, not after all you've done for me." She wrapped her arms around him and tried to kiss him, only for him to pull away. "Darling, what's wrong? Come drink some wine and talk to me. What's happened to the king and queen and what's-his-name, Merlin? Are they well? Are they alive? I've not yet seen them."

She was growing rather impatient and wanted answers now.

"Why? Looking to tell Agravain so he'll keep paying you for spying, you little traitor?" spat Gwaine, angrily.

Eira paled as she realized she'd been caught. She tried to run, but Mordred and Frik had entered the room at that point and flung her into the wall, knocking her out.

"Gwaine, I know you said you wanted to turn her into a toad, but Father's got a better idea," said Mordred.

"Oh?" said Gwaine, interested. "What might that be?"

Frik told him and Gwaine eagerly agreed to his suggestion.

Normally, such treason would be punishable by being marked and exiled or even executed, but Frik's idea seemed better somehow. A local trader who made annual trips to Camelot had been looking for a new donkey to carry his carry his cartful of wares and it seemed they'd found the perfect one. Eira was enchanted and transformed into a donkey who would obey her master's every command. She liked taking orders so much, then she would do so for the rest of her life.

It was rather poetic.

XXX

Meanwhile, Agravain was limping and trying not to let any verbal signs of pains escape him as he made his way to the boat that would take him to the Isle of the Blessed. He'd been badly injured in the Battle of Camlahn due to being caught in the crossfire of the soldier's weapons, the dragons' fire and almost trampled to death by the retreating soldiers.

No one was loyal to him anymore, Mordaunt was now dead and buried, his family was gone and he had nothing left, for as soon as he'd returned to his father's kingdom, there had been uprising and a better man now sat on his throne. He had nothing and no one. But all of that would change. He was slowly healing himself and after a bit of time to lick his wounds, he would return and take his revenge and all that had been so long denied to him.

When he arrived at the Isle, he was no longer limping, but he still needed another few days to recover. He was at the center of the Isle where the High Priestess Nimueh had been on her last day and was about to rest when he heard voices that seemed to echo around him and sent a chill down his spine.

"Agravain…"

"Oh, Agravain…"

Agravain stiffened in fear. Those voices. He knew those voices. It couldn't be…

"Emrys? Emrysa?" he yelled. He looked around, but saw no one. "You can't be free! This is a trick!"

"Oh, no trick, Agravain," said Merlin. "We got free of the cave and our powers are stronger than ever."

"HOW?" yelled Agravain, as he frantically searched for them. He was afraid as he'd never been before as he knew that in his current state, he was no match for his enemies.

"We are more than what we seem, Agravain," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin and I are a son and daughter of the earth, the sea, the sky…we are magic itself."

That made Agravain even more afraid than before.

"SHOW YOURSELVES!" yelled Agravain. "WHERE ARE YOU?"

"Behind you," said Arthur.

Agravain spun around to see Arthur, Merlin and Mira-Liana standing behind him. Shockingly enough, they didn't look angry. They looked as if they pitied their once-great foe.

"It's time to end this once and for all, Agravain," said Mira-Liana. "No more fighting, no more bloodshed. It ends here and it ends now."

"You really think you can beat me?" scoffed Agravain. "I have power in me yet! My race is not yet run! I will destroy all of you and I will have my revenge!"

Merlin and Mira-Liana shook their heads at him.

"You still don't get it, do you?" said Merlin. "All those years you spent seeking power and revenge, it only poisoned you and left you with nothing. You could've had so much more and you could've been part of something greater than even Albion—a family."

"In spite of everything's happened between us, all you've done, we don't hate you, Agravain. We pity you. In fact…we forgive you," said Arthur.

They meant every word.

Agravain was nothing and had nothing and no one now. He was only worthy of pity now, not anger and hatred.

"But it doesn't change anything," hissed Agravain. He didn't believe them for one moment.

"You're right, it doesn't. Because that day you came to Camelot, you made a fatal mistake, Agravain," said Mira-Liana. "As we told Nimueh before we destroyed her—"

"You should not have tried to kill our loved ones," finished Merlin.

Agravain panicked and tried to flee, only for Arthur toss Excalibur and pin him to the ground by his shirt. He was trapped. Merlin then grabbed his sister's hand and tightly intertwined their fingers together as power surged through them. They then raised their free hands and summoned down powerful bolts of lightning which obliterated Agravain into a pile of dust.

"Is it…is it truly over?" asked Arthur.

Mira-Liana smiled at him. "It's over, Arthur. We've won," she assured him. It didn't seem real, and yet it was. Though their journey had been a long and hard one, they would not change a moment of it for anything. They'd stood together, united as one and had emerged victorious and they were still together, which was all that really mattered in the end.

"We can go home and now we'll finally have peace," said Merlin, smiling.

Arthur smiled at this. After retrieving Excalibur, he took his wife and brother-in-law's hands and together they all returned Camelot, victorious and happy.

The people of Camelot cheered for them upon their arrival and a great celebration went underway in honor of their victory and the defeat of their great foe. Hunith and the children were especially glad and grateful beyond words that they were all home safe and sound. Everything was well.

With Agravain gone, there was peace and prosperity in the five the kingdoms as Arthur united Albion with the help of his loyal friends and family. He was no longer judged for his father's crimes and the Golden Age that the prophecies foretold came to pass at long last.

Merlin, Mira-Liana, Arthur and Gwen continued to watch over the people for more than eighty years but no one—man or warlock—can live forever. Eventually, after all their children and grandchildren were grown, the four passed on, but their great and fantastic legend lived on.

For centuries, the people would speak of Royal Family and the Golden Age that was brought upon the lands. Some say they continue to live on in all of us in whatever magic there is in the world and always watch over the world just as they had while they lived.

The End

A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, favorited and alerted this series. It's been a blast. I'm sad to see it all end. :( I might post one-shot companion pieces for Siblings of Prophecy in the future, but I can't promise anything. Again, thanks and glad hope you all enjoyed reading Siblings of Prophecy as much as I did writing it! :)