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CHAPTER 21 – THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING
It was in the third hour of the next day – with Uther still breathing – when Sir Ector and Sir Leon reported the results of their investigation to Arthur who was just staring blankly, shaken to the bone by the enormity of the previous night's events.
"We traced the assassin to the town of Wenham," Sir Ector began.
"That is in Odin's land," said Arthur with a frown. Sir Ector nodded.
"It seems he hired the man to kill you to avenge the death of his son," he replied,
"Just like last time," added Sir Leon. "The man is obsessed."
"So Alined had no part in this?" asked Arthur.
The knight shook his head. "None beyond allowing the performers to join his entourage; which might have something to do with some pretty and very willing wenches among them."
"Sounds like Alined all right," commented Arthur mirthlessly. "What about the rest of the troupe? Were they all involved?"
"We believe the assassin had another accomplice among the performers – namely the dwarf Geldred – but that one has already fled the city," answered Sir Leon. "We have doubled the guard, should there be another attempt on your life."
Arthur nodded, not really caring. "And the strong man Merlin knocked out?" he was still not ready to deal with Merlin and his many secrets, so it was better to pretend that nothing unusual had happened.
"In the dungeon, under double guard," replied Sir Leon.
"Good," Arthur said. "I want him hanged, here, right in front of the palace. I want all our enemies know that there will be no mercy for assassins."
Sir Leon nodded without much ado. It was the law, after all. Whoever tried to murder a member of the royal family paid with their life. Sir Ector, however, seemed to understand Arthur's mood. He placed a comforting hand on the young Prince's shoulder.
"Everyone's thoughts are with you, Arthur. But if there's anything I can do…"
Arthur gave him the ghost of a grateful smile. "Your support means a great deal to me, Sir Ector; yours and Kay's. Thank you."
Sir Ector simply nodded and headed out, with Leon in trail, passing the incoming Merlin as they left. Arthur turned to Merlin immediately.
"What news of my father?" he asked.
"There is no change," answered Merlin sadly.
"Well, why isn't Gaius doing something then?" Arthur snapped.
"Because there is nothing he can do," replied Merlin. Arthur gave him an odd look.
"Is there anything you can do then?" he asked. Merlin looked at him searchingly.
"It depends," he said carefully.
"Depends on what?" demanded Arthur.
"On how far you are truly willing to go to save your father," replied Merlin.
"I've already told you: I'm willing to do everything… anything to keep him alive," said Arthur. "Can you heal him?"
Merlin shook his head. "I've never been good with healing spells," he admitted. "But I can find for you somebody who excels at them – if you swear that they won't be harmed, no matter the outcome."
Arthur looked at him in suspicion. "Why would you want to have my word on that?"
"Because some wounds cannot be healed, not even by magic," answered Merlin simply. "And I don't want anyone punished, should your father's wound prove to be one of those."
"Very well," said Arthur after a moment of consideration. "Whomever you might find, I'll guarantee their safety. You have my word. Just find them quickly."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After his discussion with Merlin Arthur returned to the bedside of his father, wishing to spend whatever time they might have left with him. He was mildly surprised to find Gwen there. She was changing the dressing on Uther's wound, apparently having sent Hunith away to rest for a while. Arthur was deeply touched by the gesture.
"I…" he cleared his throat briefly. "I appreciate your kindness…. Everything you're doing for him. Even though you know he'd never give his blessing to our marriage."
Gwen shook her head. "I'm doing it for you. Tom Blacksmith may not have been my natural father, but he was like a father to me… so yes, I know what it is like to lose a doting father and would spare you the pain if I can. Unfortunately, there is little chance for that."
Arthur nodded. "I'm sorry that he was the reason for your loss, but… I can't watch him die. There's so much I want to say him… He cannot die," he walked to the window and looked down at the square where the townspeople were holding a candle-lit vigil. "What's going on?" he asked in surprise.
Gwen crossed the room to stand with him. "It's a vigil for your father," she explained. "The people want to share their grief. They did the same when you were at death's door, after your encounter with the Questing Beast."
Arthur frowned. "Why are they behaving like he's already dead when there's still life in his body?"
Gwen laid a comforting hand upon his forearm. "They're preparing themselves for the worst," she suggested gently.
Arthur squared his shoulders. "They can give up hope; but I won't," he declared.
"I know it's hard to accept, and I wish it wasn't so," she said patiently. "But there's really nothing that can be done. Gaius said so, and you know he's never wrong."
"He is wrong, in this case," replied Arthur stubbornly. "There is a way to heal my father still."
Gwen raised a questioning eyebrow. "How?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment, then he fixed her with a poignant look. "With magic. Merlin promised to find somebody who can cast some powerful healing spells. I guaranteed their safety, no matter the outcome."
Gwen was utterly stunned as she took this in. "Do you think your father is going to thank you for having healed him with magic? He's more likely to have your sorcerer hanged… and you thrown into the dungeons."
"But he would have to be alive to try doing so," pointed out Arthur with the hope of the truly desperate in his eyes. "And I'll have the sorcerer out of Camelot before he can fully understand what's happened." Gwen tried to say something but he silenced her with an imperious gesture. "No, Guinevere. Don't try to stop me… because you can't."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Merlin found Gaius in Princess Elena's quarters, where the old physician was visiting with Mistress Alice, while the Princess herself spent some time with her fellow ladies, Iseult, Mithian and Vivian. Needless to say that Gaius and Alice were both shocked when Merlin told them of Arthur's plan.
"Arthur is planning on using magic?" repeated Gaius in disbelief.
Merlin shrugged. "He's desperate. He knows this is the only hope of healing Uther."
Gaius gave him a withering look. "Merlin, please tell me you're not doing this!"
Merlin grinned at him. "I'd be lying if I said no," then he turned to Mistress Alice. "But I cannot do this alone. Healing spells are not my forte. Will you help me?"
The old woman nodded. "I nearly killed Uther while under the spell of the Manticore. I owe it to him to at least give it a try."
"You are both insane!" exclaimed Gaius. "You can't risk exposing yourselves like this. It's too dangerous!"
Merlin shrugged again. "Arthur gave me his word that the healer won't be harmed, no matter what the outcome. And he might be a royal prat, but he takes his own word very seriously; you know that."
"He might reconsider if he recognizes Alice," said Gaius darkly.
"But why should he?" asked Mistress Alice. "We hardly even met; and one old hag is like another. If I use ashes to make my hair completely grey and my cheeks look more hollow, even you would have a hard time in recognizing me."
Gaius glared at her in stunned disbelief. "You are really willing to do this?"
Mistress Alice nodded. "I don't like being in debt; least so in that of my enemies. Besides, some good might come out of this all."
"Uther will never change his attitude towards magic," Merlin added. "But if Arthur allows it to be used to heal his father, his attitude will be changed forever. He already knows I'm a Dragonlord; and he's seen me knocking out that strong man, using my powers. This way he will also see that magic can be a force for good."
Gaius shook his head in defeat. "You of all people should know that the use of powerful magic is fraught with danger… both of you should."
"If it works, I won't have to hide anymore," pointed out Merlin.
Gaius rolled his eyes. "And if it doesn't? I can't stand by and watch you do this… either of you."
"Arthur gave his word," Merlin reminded him. "And I for my part trust him to keep his promises. Now, why don't the two of you leaf through the books with the healing spells while I bring him the good news?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Arthur was waiting impatiently for Merlin's return, doing his best to ignore the myriad questions occupying his mind. It had been glaringly obvious since last night that Merlin was more than just a Dragonlord… if there was such a thing as just a Dragonlord, that is. Clearly, Dragonlords must have been people of awesome powers, because honestly, bending a dragon to one's will required more than the skills of a hedge witch. And Merlin clearly had cast a powerful spell last night, smashing that huge brute against the wall as if he'd been swatting a fly.
Saving Arthur's life for the umpteenth time.
Arthur was wondering how often had Merlin used his hidden powers – he refused to think of them as magic because if he acknowledged it he'd have to do something about it, and the last thing he wanted to do was to have the idiot executed – to save him. To save Camelot. How often what he had thought to be incredible luck been actually Merlin, working his miracles in the background, unseen.
There were too many questions he needed to be answered before he could decide what to do with Merlin…
His door opened (without anyone having knocked, as usual) and the object of his thoughts walked in, looking cautiously hopeful. Arthur decided to see that as a good sign,
"Well?" he asked impatiently. "What did Gaius say? Did he have any information?"
"He doesn't know much," admitted Merlin. "But he has met a healer in the entourage of one of the royal guests; a very good one. Gaius thinks she may be able to help you."
"She?" echoed Arthur. "And who may she be?"
Merlin shrugged. "I've told you: there are no guarantees. Your father's wound is lethal. But she is skilled and experienced, and she'll try her best. She and Gaius are already searching the old books for the most powerful healing spells; and I'll be lending her my strength if I have to."
For an endless moment Arthur said nothing. Then he nodded abruptly.
"Once this is over, we'll have a very long discussion, you and I," he said. "I have questions; and if you want me to trust you ever again, you'll have to answer then truthfully."
"I will," replied Merlin simply. "I'm tired of hiding anyway."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Leaving the wounded King in Hunith's excellent care once again, Gwen left the Citadel, heading for the lower town. It was high time that she and Elyan spoke. She could not afford to lose the support of her own brother – even if it was only a half-brother. She had enough naysayers at court already, and Elyan was beloved. People would take their cue from him… especially the knights. If she wanted their respect, she had to make Elyan change his mind and return to the court, no matter what.
She was about to turn into the street where Tom Blacksmith's – now Elyan's – smithy stood when somebody called her name. It was a quiet, subdued voice, that of a young girl. She turned around and saw a slender figure in the shadows, wearing the usual rough, brown cloak of the Druids.
"Who are you?" she asked. "What do you want from me?"
"My name is Kara," the girl replied. "And I want to help you."
"Help me with what?" Gwen was not about to trust a complete stranger easily.
The girl came closer and now Gwen could see her pale, pretty face in the shadow of her wide hood.
"To become the Queen of Camelot," she whispered."
Gwen gave her an imperious look. "I'm already going to be Queen of Camelot."
"Not if King Uther recovers," whispered the girl. "And right now, there is someone in Camelot who might be able to heal him."
"But Gaius already told Arthur there's nothing he could do," said Gwen with a frown. "Not without magic; and I doubt that the old man's tricks would be enough."
"They would not," agreed the girl. "But we have heard that Mistress Alice is in Camelot again, and she can do many things others cannot. Right now she is the greatest healer in the Five Kingdoms. We must see to it that she fails."
"How?" asked Gwen with morbid fascination.
She had tested her own modest skills ever since she's learned about her true heritage, but she never got any further than the simplest, mostly harmless love spells. She simply had not inherited enough from her powerful father.
"Come and see," the girl said and Gwen followed her into a small cottage on the left.
Inside, a small fire was burning in a three-legged cast iron brazier. The girl – Kara – shrugged off her cloak and hung it on a peg next to the door. Underneath she wore a simple gown of rough, homespun wool. Her rich brown hair was arrayed in attractive plaits and tresses… actually, she was quite lovely. She could have blended in as a lady's maid, if only better dressed.
"This used to be Forridel's house," she said conversationally, sorting the boxes on the shelf. "When she had to flee, it stood empty for a while… a shame, really, as she was the best herbalist among us. We have used the house since then time and again, as the need arose."
She finally found the right box, opened it and took out a tiny silver charm. She cast it into the fire and incanted a spell, barely louder than a whisper.
"Seolforpraed apringe wiustra, apringe wip eallae gode craefte," she muttered in the ancient, harsh-sounding language of the Old Religion.
The flames suddenly flared, the firelight danced in her eyes… and Gwen was scared. Really scared. She knew she'd never be able to cast such a powerful spell – she did not know what it had been, but she could feel its power.
The girl took a pair of tongs and pulled the charm from the raging fire. She then turned to Gwen and unceremoniously dropped the charm into Gwen's palm. Gwen instinctively reached out to catch it, before realising the danger of what she'd just done – and was surprised.
"It's cold…"
The girl nodded. "It has been bound to the left hand path."
"Which means… what exactly?" asked Gwen.
"The force of any healing magic will be reversed and magnified tenfold," explained the girl. "You must place the charm around King Uther's neck, as close to his heart as possible. That way, by trying to cure his father, Prince Arthur will seal his fate."
"Arthur will never forgive himself," murmured Gwen, suddenly feeling guilty. "He'll be destroyed."
"And a broken Prince will make a weak King," the girl replied in dark satisfaction. "Which means he will need a strong Queen on his side."
Gwen shook her head doubtfully. "I'm still not sure we're doing the right thing. This is murder, after all… in a way."
The seemingly innocent blue eyes of the girl became cold and hard like ice.
"It is not a crime to fight for our freedom," she said. "It is not a crime to fight for the right to be who we are; and you are one of us. Uther Pendragon deserves everything that is coming to him."
"But it is Arthur who will suffer," pointed out Gwen.
"He will have you to comfort him; and he will need you more with each passing day to do so," replied the girl. "You may not have much natural power but you have wielded your love spells with great skill. If you don't make any foolish mistakes – like falling for another man – this charm will ensure your future as the Queen of Camelot. The question is: do you have the will to use it?"
For a moment, Gwen remained silent. The she closed her hand around the charm in determination.
"I do," she said grimly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In Gaius's chambers, he and Mistress Alice were cooking up some kind of concoction while Merlin was looking through several books at once in his own room, failing to find what he was looking for.
"Great," he muttered in utter disgust. "I promised Arthur we could heal his father, and I can't even find the right spell!"
"That's because you're reading the wrong books," said Mistress Alice placidly.
"Here," Gaius walked over to Merlin and held out a small leather tome. "Gwillem of Cumbria was as mad as a coot, but there has never been a better healer… until Alice here, that is."
"Flatterer," Mistress Alice smiled, her attention fixed on the bubbling concoction on the brazier.
Merlin grinned happily. "Thank you, Gaius! How is the medicine doing?"
"It's almost ready," answered Mistress Alice. "We can start shortly."
"Remember: you must only give him four drops," Gaius warned her.
Mistress Alice rolled her eyes. "Do you really think you must remind me?" Then she became deadly serious again. "I'm glad Merlin offered to come with me, though. A healing spell like this could be too powerful for an old woman like me."
"Let's hope I can remember the spell," commented Merlin, only half-joking.
Gaius raised a bushy eyebrow. "You must trust your abilities, Merlin. We all do."
Merlin gave him one of those half-smiles. "No pressure then, eh? Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
"So am I," replied Mistress Alice, stoppering the vial she'd just filled with the dangerous concoction. "Let us go before either of us changes their mind."
When they reached Uther's chambers, they found Arthur and Gwen already there. Uther lay in bed, looking deathly pale, barely breathing. Arthur was holding his father's hand and looked up at Merlin in surprise.
"What are you doing here? I thought you weren't a healer."
"I'm not," replied Merlin calmly. "Mistress Alys, Princess Elena's healer is going to do that part. I'm just here for the spell."
"Please move to the side, sire," said Mistress Alice. "We need room to work."
Arthur stepped to the side, drawing Gwen with him, and the two watched, wide-eyed, as the old woman was carefully placing four drops of hogswart on Uther's lips, while Gaius held a branch of sage over him. As soon as the medicine was given, Gaius nodded to Merlin, who stepped closer, extending a hand, ready to cast the spell, his eyes turning into a glow of molten gold… and Arthur suddenly became anxious.
"Merlin… wait!"
Merlin's eyes turned back to their usual, brilliant blue. "Is something wrong?"
Arthur hesitated. "It's just… my father has taught me never to trust magic, and now I'm using it to save him…"
Merlin raised an amused eyebrow. "Your own life has been saved using magic more time than you can possibly imagine. Or did you really think you just have been very lucky in the last four years?"
Arthur stared at him in confusion. "What on earth are you talking about?"
"Later," Merlin waved off his question. "Let's just say that magic is all around you. It is woven into the very fabric of the world."
That piece of information seemed to unsettle Arthur even more. "How can I be sure it's the right thing to do, though?"
"You cannot," answered Merlin simply. "We never know until we have tried; whatever decisions we make, we can but hope that they will be the right ones. I cannot be sure that this will work, either – but can you truly afford not to give it a try? I wish only to show you that magic can be used for good. That we are not all like Morgause. Or Morgana. Please, allow me to try. What do you have to lose?"
If they didn't, Uther would die. If they did, there was a slight chance that he might survive. Arthur knew that. He nodded reluctantly.
"All right, then," Merlin took a deep breath, turned back to Uther, stretched out his hand and his eyes began to glow again as he cast the spell in a hoarse whisper.
"Efencume aetgaedre, eala gastas craeftige; gestiere pis lic forod."
The enormity of the moment – the fact that his supposedly idiot manservant was performing a ritual of powerful magic over his near-dead father, in his presence and with his approval – no, at his request! – did not go entirely unnoticed by Arthur. Nonetheless, the major part of his attention was focused on Uther, in the desperate hope of seeing some sign of life.
For a long, terse moment it seemed as if the spell had failed, and Merlin was growing anxious. What if they had made a mistake? What if the hogswart concoction was too strong… or not strong enough? What if he hadn't remembered the spell correctly? This was his first and perhaps last chance to change Arthur's attitude towards magic and its users. He could not, must not afford to fail. Too much was at stake.
Suddenly, Uther's eyes snapped open. Arthur was the first to notice.
"Father! Father!" he cried out, overjoyed, and the two clinched hands.
Uther managed a weak smile. "Arthur…"
Arthur laughed in relief. Merlin, too, all but collapsed at the King's bedside as the nervous tension left him. He felt like a puppet whose stings had been cut. Yet as Uther was looking up at Arthur, his face suddenly contorted in pain. His breath started to fail, right before the horrified eyes of his son.
"What's happening?" Arthur demanded from Gaius.
"I don't know…" the old physician set aside the still smoking sage branch, just at the moment when Uther went still. He felt for a pulse… and found none. "He's dead."
Arthur shook his head in despair, unable and unwilling to accept it.
"No… He can't be… Father!" he grabbed Uther's shoulders and shook him, as if he'd wanted to wake his father up. When he finally realised the futility of his action, he whirled around and glared at Mistress Alice in black rage. "What have you done?"
Mistress Alice shook her head in confusion. "I don't understand," she said. "This was not supposed to happen."
"You killed him!" Arthur raged. "Merlin promised me that you'd heal him, and you killed him… poisoned him! You'll die for what you've done!"
He drew his sword and advanced on Mistress Alice menacingly but Merlin, with just a glint of gold in his eyes, stopped him with an outstretched hand and an immobilizing spell.
"Mod waes craeftles," he said, and Arthur felt a strange lethargy overcome him. He could not go on, he could not raise his sword; even standing on his own felt exhausting.
"Good," Merlin said. "Now, stop being such a clotpole and listen to me. I've told you at the beginning that this might not work. But Mistress Alys did not poison your father. Gaius and I were present while she brewed that concoction. There's nothing in it that doesn't belong. And the spell was working, too. I'm sure of it. I did everything right. I don't know what could possibly have gone wrong."
"I think I do," said Gaius grimly. He reached down where Uther's robes had been opened from Arthur having shaken him, and pulled the neck of his nightshirt further apart, revealing a small silver charm around the dead King's neck.
"What is this?" asked Merlin in surprise. "I've never seen anything like this."
"I have," said Mistress Alice sadly. "It's an ancient healer's charm… but enchanted with a repelling spell."
"Such an enchantment would reverse the effects of your healing spell," added Gaius. "Uther didn't stand a chance."
"But who would do such a thing?" asked Merlin. "Morgana has been quiet since her defeat, and only Gwen and my mother have entered the King's chambers on their own."
"That we know of," Gaius covered Uther's face with a sheet; neither of them noticed Gwen going ash grey with fear in the background. "We must question the guards carefully. The Citadel is full of guests; the murderer could have hidden among their entourage easily."
Merlin nodded. "I'm sure Sir Bedivere will do his best. Go now, both of you, before I release his royal pratliness from the spell. He's going to be in a foul mood."
"Perhaps you should plan an escape route, too," suggested Gaius.
Merlin shook his head. "No need for that. Now that Arthur knows the truth, I can afford to protect myself. But I don't want anyone else to get hurt. Go with them, Gwen!"
"Arthur needs me!" protested Gwen, not wanting to lose her advantage.
"He will; but he does not at this moment," replied Merlin. "He needs to grieve… without distraction. Go. All of you."
There was such authority in his voice that all three of them obeyed without further argument. Only when the door closed behind them did Merlin release Arthur from the spell – and helped him into the chair at his father's bedside.
"I am sorry," he offered. "I was so sure that we can heal him… and we would have, if it hadn't been for the charm."
Arthur nodded wearily. "Can you find out who made it?" he asked.
"I could try," answered Merlin cautiously. "But that would include… er… magic?"
"What difference does it make now?" Arthur shrugged in defeat. "Whether it is good or pure evil, I've lost both my parents to magic. We can as well put it to use to find the person who's made this… this thing."
"I'll take it with me and try to do some scrying," promised Merlin.
Arthur nodded. "Do so. And now leave me alone with my father."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning found Uther Pendragon lying in state upon a raised dais in the centre of Camelot's throne room, surrounded by burning candles. Gaius had the body removed from the King's chambers during the night, washed it with the help of Hunith and that of the faithful Morris and clad it in sombre royal splendour.
Merlin had refused to leave Arthur alone and spent the night sitting in front of his door, in case he should be needed, and Arthur was touched when he came out at daybreak and found him sitting on the stone floor, his back against the railing.
"Have you been here all night?" he asked. His eyes were dry, his entire attitude calm, composed, almost serene.
Merlin shrugged. "I didn't want you to feel that you were alone," he replied simply.
Arthur swallowed hard. "You are a loyal friend, Merlin."
"Even though I am a warlock?" asked Merlin. "Even if I killed your father by the very means I tried to save him?"
Arthur sighed. "You did not kill my father, Merlin. His spirit already died when Morgana broke his heart; the Gleeman's sword did the rest and whoever enchanted that charm finished him. You only tried to help; it wasn't your fault."
Merlin watched him warily. "When did you become so wise? So… tempered?"
"When I realised that I won't have any more delay," replied Arthur with a mirthless smile. "I must progress to the throne, and I must see that peace and prosperity return to the land. Camelot has suffered enough," he gave Merlin a wry look. "I'll need you more than ever; now that I know you are my secret weapon against Morgana. She may be lying low for the moment, but she'll be back. Of that I'm sure."
Merlin nodded because he knew that was true. "My hands will be tied as long as magic is still outlawed, though," he pointed out."
Arthur nodded. "I know that. But you must understand how hard this is for me: to rearrange everything I've been taught in my mind. My father spent twenty years fighting magic. I was arrogant enough to think I knew better. That arrogance has cost my father his life."
"Haven't you told me just a moment ago that it wasn't my magic that killed your father?" reminded him Merlin gently.
"Not yours," Arthur allowed. "But it was magic that killed him."
"And a sword," said Merlin. "Are you going to have every sword in the kingdom destroyed because of it?"
"That's not the same," argued the Prince. "A sword is just a weapon… a tool…"
"So is magic," returned Merlin. "It's neither good nor bad in itself. It depends on who uses it… and for what."
"Only that everyone can learn how to wield a sword," Arthur began… then he drifted off, remembering his own futile efforts to teach Merlin the basics of proper sword-fighting. "Except the hopeless cases," he added, grinning involuntarily.
Merlin nodded. "Exactly. And like with sword-fighting, some are better at wielding magic than others."
"Are you…?" Arthur asked a little doubtfully. Merlin nodded again.
"I was born that way. For me, it wasn't even a choice. I could move things around with my mind before I would learn to crawl or to speak."
Arthur frowned. "I thought sorcerers must learn their trade for long years…"
"They do," Merlin agreed. "But I'm not a sorcerer. I'm a warlock; one of the very few who are born with their powers. I must also learn to use my gift properly, of course, and to hone it and unfold it – but I've had it from the moment my mother conceived me. Just like Morgana," he added after a moment of consideration.
"You mean Morgause," corrected Arthur, but Merlin shook his head.
"No. Morgause is… was, I hope… a sorceress. A mighty one, admittedly, but she only knew what she was taught. Morgana, though… she is a witch. A powerful one, yet her gift has not been tempered and honed yet."
"Her dreams…" Arthur realised, and Merlin nodded.
"That was how her powers manifested at first. She was terrified by them, thought that something was wrong with her. Gaius's sleeping draughts couldn't do much against so much raw power in the long run."
"So she remains a threat," said Arthur thoughtfully.
"A grave one," Merlin agreed. "The Great Dragon has insisted from the very beginning that she should die for you and Camelot to be safe, but I… I couldn't do it. I felt sorry for her, thought her a kindred spirit… and a fat lot of good did it to us all. You see, you were not the only one arrogant enough to think you knew better."
"Perhaps," Arthur allowed. "But even if you could bring it over your heart to kill Morgana, Morgause would have risen against us eventually. She might have had a harder time to infiltrate Camelot, but she'd have found a way. And she was the one with the strong allies, living or undead."
Merlin gave him a surprised look. "You have given this a lot of thought, I see."
Arthur shrugged. "I had all night. But to answer your question: I don't think I can lift the ban on magic just now. Hell, I don't know if I want to do so," at Merlin's crestfallen expression he cracked a thin smile. "You must give me time to get used to all this, Merlin. I'm trying to go against the conditioning of my whole life here. What I can do – what I'm willing to do – is to stop actively pursuing magic users. I won't have them executed as long as they haven't done any actual harm. Will that be enough?"
"It is a beginning," replied Merlin. "And as long as no innocents are executed, there is no need to hurry," he flashed Arthur a mischievous grin. "I'll try to remain… er… discreet where my powers are concerned. Keep saving your sorry life in secret and all that. Just like I used to."
"Idiot," said Arthur fondly. "You still have a great deal to tell and explain me. But we'll have ample time for that during the Quest," he looked at Merlin shrewdly. "What? No protests that I should leave such dangerous adventures to my knights?"
Merlin shook his head. "It is your Quest. Iseldir has made so much crystal clear. Besides, I'll go with you and keep an eye on you."
Arthur actually laughed at that. "You are such a mother hen, Merlin!"
"With you, I have to be," Merlin retorted, and they both laughed, even though a little shakily. Then Arthur became deadly serious again.
"I still want to know where that enchanted charm came," he said.
"I'll do my best," promised Merlin.
Arthur nodded, closed the door of his father's bedchamber and too a deep breath. "Good. You must be hungry."
"Starving," admitted Merlin.
Arthur smiled faintly. "Me, too. Come on. You can make us some breakfast."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The day after the funeral of Uther Pendragon promised to be a beautiful one. The sun shone brightly as the guards took their positions and people from the lower town and from the outlying villages were heading up the palace steps to witness the crowning of the new King. On the cranellated walls of the Citadel pages stood, clad in the colours of the Pendragons, blowing their trumpets.
The throne room was packed with the royal visitors who had come to Arthur's betrothal feast and decided to stay for the coronation, with courtiers and with the Knights of Camelot and their families. Sir Ector was there, with Sir Kay at his elbow, Count Waldemar, the Princesses Elena and Iseult, Lady Vivian… even King Alined had chosen to stay, not that anyone would have missed him, had he left.
An air of excitement and anticipation filled the room as Arthur entered and headed towards the throne, where Geoffrey de Monmouth stood, with the crown in his hands. Upon reaching the throne, Arthur kneeled, facing the court genealogist.
"Will you solemnly promise to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?" asked Master Geoffrey.
"I solemnly swear so," replied Arthur in a steady voice that carried to the farthest corners of the throne room.
The scene was eerily reminiscent of his being crowned as Crown Prince, then as Prince Regent… he chose not to think of how close these events had been to each other. He could not afford to lose his calm in a moment of such importance.
"Will you to your power cause law and justice, in mercy to be executed in all your judgements?" continued Master Geoffrey.
"I will," replied Arthur.
"Then, by the sacred powers vested in me, I pronounce you Arthur, King of Camelot," Master Geoffrey placed the crown upon Arthur's head.
Arthur rose, turned around and looked out over the gathered court, uncertain what he should say now. Fortunately, Sir Ector came to his help.
"Long live the King!" he called out, and everyone joined the chant. "Long live the King!"
There was no feast after the coronation; just as there had been none after King Uther's funeral. Instead, the people of Camelot were treated to the hanging of the strong man who had killed the guard at King Uther's door. Whatever food could be spared that way was distributed among the people of the lover town and among the refugees, so at least some had their joy in the whole event.
"Are you still determined to go on the Quest for the Grail, sire?" Sir Ector asked Arthur later in the afternoon. "After all, you are King of Camelot now."
"Which is one more reason why I should go," replied Arthur. "As the Fisher King said to Merlin, King and land can only heal together. And that is I why I have to go and search for the Grail. A Pendragon has brought this evil over Camelot; it is up to a Pendragon to right it."
"And who will rule Camelot in your absence?" asked Sir Ector. "It is fortunate that you haven't married your… your chosen bride yet. I would be seriously concerned about the kingdom's future would an uneducated peasant with no experience be allowed to act as Ruling Queen. She may be of the blood of Taureen of Cameliand, but she was born and raised as a peasant and has neither the knowledge nor the finesse to rule. She'll have to put the betrothal year to good use if she wants to be accepted eventually… if ever."
"The common folk love her," said Arthur defensively.
Sir Ector nodded. "I'm sure they do. But it takes more to rule a kingdom than just be beloved by one's fellow peasants."
As much as he hated to do so, Arthur had to admit that Sir Ector was right.
"I hoped that you and Kay would be willing to rule in my name for the duration of the Quest," he said. "You as my Regent and Kay as Vice-Regent, with Sir Leon as the warlord of Camelot. He has vast experience; he has led our knights for years under my father's rule."
Sir Ector thought about that for a while.
"We can do it… for a time," he finally said. "But eventually, I'll have to return to the Marshes, even if Kay chooses to stay here and support you. I am needed at home, to protect the eastern borders. One year is all I can give you… barely."
"And that should be enough," replied Arthur. "If we haven't found the Grail in a year's time, there will be no hope of saving Camelot."
Sir Ector nodded. "Then I shall say… until you return, with or without the Grail."