Chapter 53
Merlin woke up early the next morning as it was just getting light. The fire had gone out and there was a chill in the air. He went to gather firewood he was anxious to get back to Camelot but they might as well eat first. When he got back to the camp Arthur and Gwaine were talking to Galahad.
"And here's Merlin," said Gwaine as he put the firewood down.
'Emrys?' Galahad asked in his mind as Gwaine helped him stand.
"It's alright they know who I am," said Merlin smiling at him. "How are you feeling?"
"My injuries are healing, thank you my lord," he said kneeling in front of Merlin.
Gwaine looked surprised, Galahad had been polite to Arthur but he hadn't got to his feet or knelt before him.
"You can call me Merlin, your leg must be painful, please sit down," said Merlin helping him to sit.
"You do know that one's the king," said Gwaine pointing to Arthur.
"Of course and he has my allegiance but Emrys is a legend among my people," he replied.
"Emrys?" asked Gwaine frowning.
"It's what the druids call me," said Merlin checking Galahad's wounds.
"I hear you met Alba," said Galahad looking at Merlin.
"Yes we did, she told us about you and misses you," said Merlin.
"I haven't seen her since I was a young child," said Galahad looking down at the floor.
"I have promised her that I will do all in my power to prove that magic is not evil and should no longer be feared so your mother's kin can once more walk among us," said Arthur kneeling down by Galahad.
"Thank you my lord," said Galahad.
"Please it's Arthur, just Arthur," he said.
"Thank you Arthur," said Galahad smiling at him.
"I'll get some water," said Arthur picking up the pot as Merlin started to build the fire. Gwaine grabbed the other pot and went after him.
"Doesn't that bother you?" he asked while they washed in the stream.
"What?" Arthur asked.
"That the druids are in awe of Merlin like he's..."
"...a powerful sorcerer?" Arthur asked grinning at him. Gwaine looked at him then laughed.
"Yeah," said Gwaine sitting on the bank by the stream.
"No it doesn't bother me at all, Merlin deserves it. They are not in awe of his power but his destiny. It is Merlin who will help me to unite the kingdoms and allow those with magic to live without fear," he said sitting down next to Gwaine.
"Merlin tried to tell me but I didn't believe it. You really have changed," said Gwaine.
"Yeah I suppose I have," he said staring at the opposite bank. "My eyes were opened on Avalon not only to what Merlin has done for me but to how wrong my father was."
"You are going to allow magic back into Camelot?" asked Gwaine frowning.
"Of course," said Arthur standing up.
"What about those like Morgana, who use magic for their own purposes?" he asked looking up at him.
"There will always be those that abuse the power they have. By upholding the law I have abused my power as king. Magic isn't evil Gwaine it's how it's used that matters. Morgana may use her power for evil purposes but so did my father, it has nothing to do with magic. The laws of Camelot have made people fear magic, now it is my duty to remove that fear so people can live in peace no matter who they are." He helped Gwaine to his feet.
"I'm not sure it's going to be that easy," said Gwaine as they carried the full pots back the camp.
"I don't expect it to be easy..."
"But it's the right thing to do." Gwaine finished for him smiling and slapping him on the back.
Merlin and Arthur tethered their horses inside the woods just outside the city. Their horses would be recognised and they wanted to keep their return hidden for as long as possible. They kept their hoods up and Arthur made sure his robes covered his clothing. Gwaine walked with them leading his own horse and Galahad rode. His leg was healing but it was still tender and hurt to walk.
As they approached the citadel guards let them pass recognising Gwaine and now used to the sight of druids entering the city.
Even though it was only an hour after dawn the city was a hive of activity. Many people, some of them obviously hurt and sick others seeking refuge from raiders, were coming into the city. Many guards and druids were they to greet them and were helping them to the infirmary or to tents set up in the towns. Carts with grain and other foodstuffs were trawling through the streets. Livestock was being herded in the courtyard.
As they entered the courtyard two knights came to greet Gwaine and took their horses. Gwaine spotted Percival striding towards them with a grin on his face. Merlin and Arthur kept their heads down as Gwaine greeted him.
"I thought you were dead, you know I made sure you were dead," said Percival looking at Gwaine.
"Morgana won't stop me that easily," he said grinning. "This is Galahad, one of the druids that helped me."
"I am pleased to meet you, my lord," said Galahad.
"It's Percival, I might be a knight but I'm not a lord," said Percival grinning at him and taking his outstretched arm.
"We met these two last night just outside Camelot, they healed our injuries and wish to speak with the queen," said Gwaine.
"The queen will speak with you but I must ask you to show your faces," said Percival.
"I'll vouch for both of them," said Gwaine. "They mean no harm but for now their faces must stay hidden." Percival sighed, looking at Gwaine's serious expression and the two silent robed figures.
"Alright, the queen will be in her chambers. The privy council will be meeting there in less than hour."
"Tell me what happened to you after you left me with the druids," said Gwaine as they walked.
"I think it would be better to talk in private," said Percival glancing back at the robed druids.
Gaius had arrived early to hear Rose's report on what Walter had heard. Gwen was relieved that the men felt much the same as the women and feared the law far more than they feared magic. The men had also heard the rumours that Merlin was the sorcerer and they were hoping that he would return in their hour of need. Some even believed he had not returned because he was already making his plans to defeat the sorcerer who had created the evil birds. The landlord himself believed that he would be in hiding getting ready to step in when things got bad after all he couldn't openly help them with the laws and all.
Rose once again went red as she told Gwen that Walter had said he agreed with the landlord and so did most of his friends. Gwen assured her that she didn't want her feelings spared she just wanted to know the truth. Still red in the face and looking down at her hands in her lap she went on to tell them all she had heard. Most of those they had spoken to hoped that the acceptance of the druids help was just the start and that the queen, Gwen, would be changing the law so the punishment fit the crime.
"What do you mean?" asked Gwen as far as she knew Arthur had never executed anyone just for having magic. Rose lowered her head further and fiddled with her apron. Gwen got up from her chair and went to kneel beside her.
"You can talk to me openly I may now be queen but I'm still the same Gwen that you comforted when I missed my mother."
"King Arthur was a good king, and I mean no disrespect," she said looking at Gwen.
"Go on, I cannot rule this kingdom alone, I need the help of the people. People like you that will be honest with me," she said still knelt by her chair.
"I don't want to open old wounds but your father was Walter's best friend. His death hurt Walter far more than he would let on. Tom was a good man he would never have betrayed his king," she said looking at Gwen. Gwen stayed where she was but tears filled her eyes, she took Rose's hand in her own. Gwen had been so wrapped up in her own grief when her father died that she had not thought how much his death had affected his friends. Rose smiled at her through her own tears.
"We always knew we had to be careful, you knew what it was like back then. You couldn't be friendly to strangers or offer them help without wondering whether you would be executed for your kindness. The druids marks can be covered so you had to be so careful who you spoke to. We've all had friends executed by Uther and we would live in fear wondering if we might follow them just because they were our friends. Just like your poor father, a chance encounter with a sorcerer and he was sentenced to die. The trial meant nothing he had been caught and Uther would have made sure he was found guilty. If the sorcerer was plotting to kill the king then he should have been executed but you shouldn't execute someone for doing their job." She looked at Gwen and sighed, "I didn't mean to upset you Gwen but you asked me to speak openly."
"I still miss him," she said smiling at Rose. "I'm glad you told me."
"It's been easier since Uther died. King Arthur was a much more honourable man than his father. But the laws haven't changed so the fear is still there."
"Thank you," said Gwen quietly. She patted Rose's hand and went back to her desk. She looked at Gaius as she sat down he hadn't spoken since Rose had arrived.
"I hope I haven't spoken out of turn," she said looking at Gwen anxiously.
"Not at all Rose, you've done exactly what I wanted and more. I knew what you reported would probably be upsetting but I had to hear it," said Gwen smiling at her. Rose let out a sigh of relief and smoothed her apron.
"If that's all, my lady?" she asked getting to her feet.
"Yes thank you Rose. As I said yesterday what you have told me will help us in the days to come. I'm pleased that you were able to be honest with me no matter how hard it was," said Gwen standing up behind her desk.
"My lady," she said giving her a curtsey and leaving the room. Gwen was just about to ask Gaius what he thought when there was a knock at the door and the guard told her Sir Percival wished to speak to her.
"Sorry to bother you your highness," said Percival smiling as he entered the room.
"It's no bother Percival," she replied. "What can I do for you?"
"I've just met someone in the courtyard that wishes to speak with you as a matter of urgency," said Percival.
"Can't it wait?" she asked wanting to discuss the disease of the villagers with Gaius before their meeting.
"He says it can't," said Percival grinning and moving into the room to let Gwaine enter.
"Gwaine," said Gwen getting up from her seat as he walked towards her.
"My lady," he said grinning as he hugged her.
"I heard what happened. Are you alright?" she asked looking at him closely. Gaius stood up but stayed where he was as a white haired man and two hooded figures entered the room before Percival closed the door. Gaius looked suspiciously at them, their robes covered their faces and clothing but they seemed familiar somehow.
"I'm fine now, thanks to the druids," he said walking over to Gaius and taking his hand.
Gaius took his eyes off the hooded figures for a moment to take a good look at Gwaine, he smiled at him and hugged him. He was glad to see him but he would take a closer look later the Nathair was not something you recovered from quickly.
"This is Galahad," he said going to the white haired druid that Percival was helping to a seat at the table. "He's a friend, he saved my life."
"You are injured?" asked Gwen full of concern.
"I'm alright my lady," he replied getting back up.
"Please sit down," she said. "Gaius will look at your wound."
"There's no need," said Gwaine looking at the two hooded figures. "It's already been healed."
Gwen looked up at the two figures still stood by the doorway. She hadn't really noticed them when they entered she was so relieved to see Gwaine back safely.
"Please, you have nothing to fear," she said walking towards them.
Arthur and Merlin lowered their hoods. Gwen stood still just staring at them, her eyes filled with tears.
"Arthur?" she asked taking a step towards him. She had known he wasn't dead but she had not dared to hope she would see him again so soon.
"It's me," he said walking towards her. She felt his arms around her and she held on to him. Tears were blurring her vision but she didn't care. Arthur was home, he was holding her. She had dreamt of this moment since he had gone missing at Camlann. Could this be another dream, would she wake with the dull ache in her heart once more? She looked up at him touching his face to make sure he wouldn't fade away. He kissed her hand and she gasped holding him closer. He was looking at her with such love, tears falling from his eyes. If this was a dream she never wanted to wake up. She gently wiped the tears from his cheeks. Then his lips found hers and she felt all the cares of the last few days slip away. Nothing else mattered Arthur had come back to her. As their lips parted she felt such relief, such happiness that she couldn't hold it any more. She started to cry he held her gently stroking her hair, telling her it would be alright. He was here now and it would be alright.
Gaius had been watching the druids with the hoods suspiciously until they had revealed their faces. He saw that familiar grin as Merlin lowered his hood with Arthur stood next to him. Time seemed to slow down as he watched Arthur and Gwen's tearful reunion. He saw Percival greeting Merlin, shaking his hand and hugging him both of them grinning.
Merlin was walking towards him looking at him in concern. He felt light headed and the room was spinning. He sat down heavily on the chair as Merlin hurried towards him.
"Gaius? Gaius? Are you alright?" asked Merlin kneeling down in front of him.
Gaius remembered to breathe and the world came back. There was Merlin looking up at him worry etched across his face. Gwaine and Percival were also looking at him with concern.
"Merlin my boy, I've told you before. Don't do things like that I'm not sure how much this old heart can take," he said smiling at Merlin with tears in his eyes.
"I can leave if you want," said Merlin grinning at him.
Gaius stood up and hugged him. "I knew you would save him," he said quietly as Merlin hugged him back. He held Merlin away from him looking at him closely. They both had tears in their eyes. "It's good to have you home, son."
"It's good to be back," said Merlin smiling and hugging him again.
None of them had noticed Freya enter the room from the little side door. She had been out to pick flowers for Gwen to cheer her up. She took in the scene in the room. Freya recognised Arthur who was holding Gwen in the middle of the room. They were both crying and Freya could hear Arthur talking quietly telling her everything would be alright.
Two men she didn't recognise were sat at the table with Percival deep in conversation. Her gaze moved around the room and there was Merlin hugging Gaius telling him it was good to be back.
"Merlin," she said quietly.
"Freya," he said turning around to look at her. She dropped the flowers on the floor as Merlin took her in his arms. She hugged him, holding tightly never wanting to let him go.
"You're here, you're really here," she whispered.
He looked down at her and smiled. "Don't cry," he said though he was crying himself. He bent his head and found her lips her heart soared and she wanted to stay with him like that forever. Their lips parted and Freya brushed the tears from his eyes.
"I missed you," she said smiling through her tears.
"I missed you," he said as more tears fell from his eyes. She kissed him again holding him close not wanting to let him go.
"I've been given a second chance and I want to spend every moment with you," she said smiling up at him.
"I'm not sure I can run away now, we will have to live in Camelot," he said smiling and she thought her heart would burst from her chest.
"I'd live in a cave as long as we are together," she replied as he hugged her close.
He slowly became aware of everything else going on in the room. Gwaine was standing two feet behind Freya with the flowers she had dropped and was looking at him with a grin. Gwen and Arthur were still comforting each other sat on the end of the bed. Gaius, Percival and Galahad were all sat at the table smiling at him. He felt himself blush but he was too happy to care.
"I believe these are yours," Gwaine said to Freya passing her the flowers. She glanced up at Merlin who wiped the tears from her cheeks then reluctantly let her go.
"Thank you," said Freya turning to face him smiling.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" asked Gwaine grinning at Merlin who was wiping his own eyes.
"Um yeah, sorry Gwaine this is Freya, Freya this is Sir Gwaine," said Merlin grinning. He wasn't sure he had ever felt so good and even Gwaine's smirk couldn't change how happy he felt.
"I am pleased to meet you Freya," he said holding out his hand. Freya held out her hand to him and laughed when he bowed and kissed her fingers. Merlin turned to see Gwen walking towards him still wiping the tears from her eyes. She hugged him tightly and he hugged her back.
"Thank you, thank you," she said smiling up at him.
"I told you I'd look after him," he replied smiling at her.
"I can never thank you enough," she said. There was a knock at the door. Arthur was sat at the table with Percival, Gaius and Galahad. He looked at Merlin and they both covered their faces with their hoods.
"It should not yet be known that Merlin and I have returned," said Arthur.
"Enter," said Gwen hoping the guards would not notice she had been crying. Leon walked into the room with Robyn and Iseldir. They had all been overseeing the work in the caves. Leon and Robyn greeted Gwaine warmly and Iseldir sat down by Galahad making sure he was alright. Once the door was closed Merlin and Arthur revealed themselves and Merlin wondered just how much they knew.
They were all so pleased to see him, there was no fear or suspicion on any of their faces and for a moment his heart sank. There was only one explanation, they didn't know. Gwen had probably only shown Arthur's letter to Gaius for fear of what they would say.
He never doubted that Arthur would keep his word and allow magic back into Camelot. These people though were his friends and the thought of having to explain it all. To earn their trust and respect all over again made him feel ill. He sat back in his chair trying to remember just how happy he had been ten minutes ago.
"Are you alright, Merlin?" asked Gaius
"I'm fine," said Merlin trying to smile.
"He had a nasty cut on his head, happened a couple of nights ago," said Arthur.
"It's fine, really," said Merlin as Gaius checked it anyway. Freya sat next to him and she put her hand out to take his. Some of the warmth and happiness came back to him and he smiled at her.
"How did this happen?" asked Gaius inspecting the wound that was healing nicely.
"We were attacked by trappers, they wanted to feed me to a bear," Merlin said looking at Gaius as he sat back down.
"Perhaps we should start at the beginning," said Arthur. "Freya is here so I assume you got my message."
"Yes we did," said Gwen smiling at Merlin. She had just guessed what might be upsetting him. "Everyone in this room knows who you really are Merlin."
"You all know?" asked Merlin. They all nod and they are smiling at him.
"It was a bit of a shock at first," said Leon and the others laughed.
"You still like me?" asked Merlin the tears threatening again.
"Of course, you're still the same person aren't you?" asked Gwen smiling at him. Merlin got up from the table and went to the window at the far side of the room.
"Give him a minute," said Arthur. Freya stood up and Gwen nodded at her understanding Merlin would need her. She went to him and held him while he cried.
"For a very long time, Merlin believed his power made him a monster," said Arthur quietly. "All he has ever wanted is for us to accept him for who he is." Gwen felt her own eyes fill with tears, everyone sat around the table had tears in their eyes even Gwaine.
Merlin and Freya soon joined them at the table. They talked for a long time, no-one disturbed them. Arthur and Merlin explained what happened on Avalon and how the white goddess had saved Arthur once Merlin had agreed to talk to her. They told them of Merlin's quest and how he had almost died trying to complete it. They told them of the elves and how they helped them both to recover. Galahad had tears in his eyes as he listened and Arthur once again reassured him that he would do everything he could to make it safe for Alba to visit him. Arthur also told them some of the things Merlin had done in the past to save him and Camelot. Leon, Robyn, Percival and Gwaine all agreed that it explained a lot of things that they had conveniently put down to luck. Gwen ordered refreshments Merlin and Arthur kept their hoods up while the food was brought in. The longer they kept their return secret the more time they would have to plan. Gwen dismissed the servants saying they had important matters to discuss. Merlin was concerned about his mother when he heard of the black cloud over Essetir but Gwen reassured him that she had sent a patrol to bring her to Camelot.
There was a moment of quiet after Merlin and Arthur had finished telling their story. They had been told the jewel was missing and parts of the prophecy were already coming true.
"There's one thing that is bothering me," said Gwaine.
"You mean who helped Morgana?" asked Leon as that what was bothering him.
"No, it's about Merlin," he said.
"Me?" asked Merlin taking a sip of his wine.
"When did you have the time to find a girl?" asked Gwaine looking at him and Freya. Merlin nearly choked on his wine and then he was laughing, they were all laughing.
Merlin looked around the table at them all. He knew it might not last that there was a chance they would all soon be dead if he couldn't stop Morgana and Sigan but right now he had never felt happier. Arthur, Gwen and Gaius already knew how they had met so Freya told the others. She explained that her magic had been consumed by the curse and she had forgotten how beautiful it could be. She told them how Merlin had shown her that magic could be a gift not a curse.
"You can create a rose from nothing?" asked Gwaine.
"Didn't know you were so romantic," said Leon laughing as Merlin blushed.
"Perhaps you should show them, I'm sure Gwaine would like a rose," said Arthur nodding at Merlin as the others laughed.
Merlin put his hands together, his eyes flashed gold. He opened his hands and two roses were inside. He passed one to Freya then got up to show the other to Gwaine but passed it to Gwen before Gwaine could take it. Everyone laughed as he bowed then returned to his seat.
"So the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth is a romantic at heart," said Robyn looking at the rose Freya was holding.
"It would seem so," said Gaius smiling at Freya and Merlin.
"And he can juggle," said Arthur.
"That's how he did it," said Leon laughing as he realised what Arthur was referring to. Merlin shook his head as Arthur and Leon explained Merlin's unknown talent for entertainment.
They talked some more about the prophecy and what it might mean. They agreed on most things but Gwaine was surprised that he was the strength that was mentioned. He did remember the keeper of the bridge calling him that though and Merlin pointed out that he had been there to help them on many occasions even before he was a knight. There was a pause in the conversation as they all thought about what they might face in the future.
"You are going to have to speak before the court this evening," Gwen told Arthur.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow? We've been riding for two days," said Arthur looking at her.
"I wish it could but as I told you I've been putting Lord Doran off and the longer we leave it the more support he will get," she replied.
"He has been trying to get his son's to support him," said Robyn looking at Arthur.
"Oswald and Ewan were both saved by magic," said Gaius.
"Yes they know that and have refused to support him so far," said Leon.
"He already has the support of a few of the other lords with considerable power though," said Robyn.
"We really must act before he gets more support," said Gwen looking at Arthur.
"You're right as usual," said Arthur smiling at her.
"What are you going to tell them?" asked Merlin.
"As much as I can, I have to convince them to change the law and I've got to do it soon. I would like to have the support of the council," said Arthur, now he had made up his mind he wanted to act quickly.
"And the knights and the people," said Merlin.
"You will have the support of the knights. They are grateful to the sorcerer at Camlann and wish to thank him for his help. They do not know yet who he is but they have heard the rumours. They know and trust you Merlin and they are hoping the rumours are true and you will return," said Robyn.
"You will also have the support of most of the people," said Gaius.
"What makes you so sure?" asked Arthur.
"Gwen's spies have been busy," he replied.
"There were not spies Gaius," she said laughing. "I just asked some friends to find out how the people were feeling. I only asked someone that I knew would speak plainly and report what they actually heard."
"Beautiful, wise, strong and devious," said Arthur standing up behind Gwen and putting his arms around her.
"It's hardly devious to ask the people what they think. They will not speak openly as they are afraid of the law far more than they are afraid of magic," she said looking at Merlin. "As long as we take the right approach, asking for their opinion then I think it will be easier than you think."
"We have been treated well since our arrival in Camelot," said Iseldir. "Although I'm sure there are some that fear us we have had no trouble."
"I think the majority of people are grateful for your help," said Leon.
"You and Merlin can rest and keep hidden this afternoon. You still have a few hours until the meeting," said Gwen.
"I'll go and see to your horses," said Gwaine standing up.
"Now you have returned Arthur I will return to my people in the infirmary," said Iseldir standing up and helping Galahad to his feet.
"If you are still happy overseeing the work in the caves, I see no reason to change things," said Arthur.
"You do not want to take over?" asked Iseldir.
"I can't do everything on my own I will need your help," he replied.
"Then I am only too happy to help," said Iseldir smiling.
"Take as many men as you need, I think we are going to need the caves ready sooner rather than later," said Arthur. Gwaine, Percival, Leon and Robyn left with Iseldir and Galahad leaving Merlin and Freya with Arthur, Gwen and Gaius.
"I think I'd like a bath," said Arthur.
"A bath?" asked Merlin staring at him.
"Yes a bath, you can have the afternoon off though," said Arthur.
"You're giving me the afternoon off?" asked Merlin grinning.
"Well a couple of hours you can hardly get my bath if you are not supposed to be here," said Arthur smiling. "I will need you at the meeting later so make sure you are rested. It may go on all night."
"God I hope not," said Merlin with a groan thinking of standing in the council chambers all night.
"Think about how we should approach them while you're resting then we can discuss it before the meeting," said Arthur looking at Merlin. Gaius and Gwen exchanged a look. Gwen had always known how much Arthur relied on Merlin's advice but he had never actually asked him outright not openly anyway.
"You're asking for my advice?" asked Merlin looking a little surprised.
"Of course," said Arthur ignoring his surprised expression. "Can you return here an hour before the meeting, so we can prepare?"
"Yes, sire" said Merlin grinning at him and getting to his feet. He was still trying to get used to Arthur being polite and actually talking to him rather than yelling at him.
"I can throw something at you if you prefer," said Arthur reaching for the jug.
"I don't think that will be necessary not today at least," said Gwen laughing and taking his hand.
"You are right again, I'll wait until he can at least clear up the mess I make," he said smiling at her.
"Arthur!" said Gwen laughing.
"I'll need to talk to Kilgharrah tomorrow he may have more answers if he's still alive," Merlin said.
"Who is Kilgharrah?" asked Gwen.
"He's a friend of Merlin's that I would like to meet. We don't really have time to explain now. We can talk about it after the meeting," said Arthur.
"Alright, we will talk about this later," said Gwen. "You can all dine with us after the meeting."
"Now we are going before I throw something at the pair of them for giving me such a shock," said Gaius smiling at them.
"It couldn't be helped," said Arthur looking at Gaius. "Are you sure you are alright?"
"I'm fine now you're back, now both of you are back," he said as Arthur looked at him closely.
"I wouldn't be here without Merlin's help and I know you have helped him over the years, thank you Gaius," he said smiling at him. Gaius patted his arm and joined Merlin and Freya at the door. Merlin covered his face with his hood and they left closing the door behind them.
"Alone at last," said Arthur putting his arms around Gwen. He then took the rose she was still holding and put it in the vase with the flowers Freya had picked. She watched him walk back towards her and smiled as he put his arms back around her waist. She was still finding it hard to believe he was with her and holding her. She put her arms around his neck pulling him closer. He kissed her then picked her up and carried her towards the bed.