Chapter Text
His coronation. A day he had both anticipated and feared. The crown sat on the table polished to a high shine, waiting to be carried into the throne room for the ceremony. Merlin and Cadby bustled about putting the finishing touches on Arthur's attire. It took the two of them to settle the heavy ermine cloak over his shoulders and fasten the gold clasp. The weight of it settling on his shoulders felt like the weight of the kingdom to Arthur. Merlin stepped in front of Arthur to tweak it further into place, while Cadby took a brush to those spots where the fur no longer lay straight.
"That's quite enough, Merlin. Cadby can handle it from here," said Arthur.
Merlin continued to fuss with the cloak. "You'll want to look your best today, Sire," he said with a smile.
Arthur caught his wrist to stop him. "Yes, and my servant can attend to that. You don't need to."
Merlin looked at Arthur blankly. "I am your servant, Arthur."
"In a sense," agreed Arthur, dropping Merlin's hand. "But no longer in the sense of you being my manservant."
"You're sacking me?" asked Merlin, confused.
Arthur took a breath, wondering how badly Merlin was going to take his decision. "I'm removing the deception."
"I don't understand."
"I'm not going to deal in dishonesty, Merlin. While my Father was alive there was reason to continue the pretence. But my knights supported my decision to keep a sorcerer and there's no reason now for them not to know what you are." Arthur heard Cadby's gasp and felt the stroke of the brush stop, but he kept his eyes on Merlin's face, which was rapidly draining of blood.
"Arthur, this is not a good idea," hissed Merlin. His eyes briefly glanced in Cadby's direction, but then held Arthur's gaze. "Later, when you're secure on your throne…"
"Now, Merlin," Arthur said firmly. "Today. After the Lords and Knights give their pledges of loyalty, you're taking one as my court sorcerer."
"What brought this on?" demanded Merlin, taking a shocked step away from his master.
"Morgana deals in lies and deception. What's scary is she's started to believe her own lies. I can't be like that. I'm not following my sister into insanity." Arthur took a step closer to Merlin. "There will always be some reason to keep you hidden, that Morgana will know you for the threat you are and try to remove you, if nothing else. But I cannot lead if part of my administration is hidden in shadows where no one can see it. I value your council too much not to have you openly at my side."
Merlin blinked. Softly, he replied, "Thank you, Arthur. I'll try to live up to that trust."
"Then go get dressed," growled Arthur, "the nice clothes you have hiding in the back of your cupboard."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "Yes, Arthur," he moaned and went to obey.
Arthur felt the brush strokes begin again on his back. "Cadby, are you all right?" he asked.
"Yes, Sire," mumbled the servant.
"Come where I can see you," ordered Arthur.
The servant stepped around him, his eyes downcast.
"I know this is a shock," said Arthur quietly, his gaze burning steadily. "I'll probably shock the entire court today. I'm going to need the support of those around me. Can I count on you?"
"Of course, Sire," said Cadby, straightening his back.
"Then bring Gaius to me and see if my escort is ready," said Arthur firmly.
Cadby put down the brush and bowed himself out. Arthur took a deep breath and steeled himself for the ceremony to come.
***********************
Trumpets blared, announcing the entrance of the King, for that was what Arthur was, even uncrowned. The crowd of Lords, Ladies, and Knights turned to watch Arthur promenade down the aisle from the double doors to the throne. Lord Agravaine awaited Arthur at the foot of the dais as the Lords' representative and the Lord nearest the throne by blood after the King himself. Sir Marhaus, Uther's seneschal, stood on the lowest step of the dais at the right hand of the throne. Sir Leon preceded Arthur, carrying the crown before him on a purple velvet pillow. As they reached the dais, Sir Leon turned aside, taking a place on the lowest step opposite Sir Marhaus. Arthur stopped before his uncle.
In ceremonial tones Lord Agravaine demanded, "By what right do you, Arthur Pendragon, claim the throne of Camelot?"
"By right of blood," answered Arthur in a ringingly clear voice. "I claim the throne of Camelot as my Father's heir, who was King over Camelot by right of conquest for twenty-nine years. But also through my Mother's right as daughter to the King he conquered, that line having endured more than three hundred years. Through both of my parents, the blood of Camelot flows in me."
Agravaine stepped aside and Arthur proceeded to the throne, sweeping his cloak to one side as he turned to face the massed nobility of Camelot before it. Agravaine followed him and took his station at Arthur's right on the step below him. Sir Leon ascended to a position opposite Lord Agravaine as Sir Marhaus descended to stand directly before Arthur facing him from the floor.
Sir Marhaus knelt, holding out his rod of office horizontally to signal his authority and deference to the king. "Arthur Pendragon, the nobility of Camelot acknowledges your right to the throne and requests your justice and mercy upon your kingdom."
Arthur's voice rang through the hall. "I pledge to hold every man's honor as I hold my own. I pledge to create only such law as is necessary for the betterment of the kingdom and to uphold the law of the land. If this be justice in your eyes, say you now."
"Justice, justice, justice," chanted the knights and nobility. Sir Marhaus retook his place on the lowest step.
Arthur seated himself on his throne. Sir Leon and Lord Agravaine stepped toward each other and Agravaine lifted the crown. In a voice that carried but betrayed some strain, Lord Agravaine called out, "All hail Arthur, King of Camelot!" as he placed the crown on Arthur's head.
"Long live the King!" shouted the massed nobility. "Long live the King! Long live the King!"
Sir Marhaus asked, "Arthur, King of Camelot, may I have the honor of presenting your Lords and Knights?"
"You may," agreed Arthur. Thereafter came the interminable part of the ceremony where each Lord (or Lady as there were two who held their rank in their own right) advanced to the foot of the dais, was introduced (despite the fact that Arthur knew them all) and gave his personal vow of loyalty to Camelot and obedience to the new King. The knights then advanced in groups of four, dropped to one knee and held their swords before their faces in sign of pledge. Sir Marhaus gave each knight's name after which the knights presented exclaimed, "My sword ever in your defense!" and retired to the crowd. Lord Agravaine being the first Lord presented, and Sir Leon being the first of the knights, they now stood on the floor with others of their rank.
As the last of the knights retired, Sir Marhaus intoned, "May your reign be long and prosperous, King Arthur, and your people ever come to the defense of peace."
Arthur rose to more cheers of "Long live the King." The ceremony being over, Arthur should have proceeded to the balcony to address the crowd awaiting him outside. But he held up his hand for silence. Sound abated to confused whispers.
"Most of you know, or have heard rumors, that during my time as Regent I set aside the law in granting one man dispensation to perform magic in the service of the crown. I do not propose to begin my reign in hypocrisy. As of now, magic is no longer banned in Camelot for itself, but only for its effects. If any be harmed by magic, let that person bring charges as to the harm done. For those who might work magic or hire a sorcerer, I caution, think well. Too often one turns to magic for easy answers and easy answers often bring unintended consequences, for which you will be held responsible."
Mutterings sounded around the room at this speech. Arthur caught and held the gazes of his watching Lords.
"My Father employed at least two sorcerers in his youth; one who urged caution and one who cast spells without counting the cost. The second cost my Mother her life. The first set aside his magic in order to offer his knowledge for the protection of Camelot. He has served Camelot well and faithfully ever since and I value his counsel. If you think that Gaius is now my sorcerer, you are mistaken. I mention him to assure you that I have ample counsel in a matter no other could adequately judge."
"Each of you has given this day a pledge of fidelity to Camelot and to me, as is appropriate for men of power. I would have you witness also my sorcerer's pledges that you may be confident that magic will serve and protect the kingdom." Arthur nodded at Gaius where he stood at the back of the crowd. Gaius stepped into the aisle and then indicated that Merlin should precede him. Murmurs of surprise and doubt rose as Merlin started down the aisle, Gaius shadowing him a step behind and to his left. Merlin stopped at the foot of the dais. Arthur nodded to him to indicate he should kneel and for once Merlin got the message and dropped to his knees.
"Merlin, will you pledge your power to the service and protection of Camelot?" demanded the monarch.
"Sire," Merlin swallowed to steady his voice. "I pledge myself ever to your service and to the defense of Camelot."
"Will you be ever mindful of the consequence of your magic and see that it exacts no effect above what duty I may approve?" questioned the King.
More sure of himself, Merlin replied, "Sire, I will ever seek your consent for any magic that might exact reckoning of any beyond myself."
"Then I accept you as my Court Sorcerer and Master of Magic in the Kingdom of Camelot." Arthur descended to the bottom step and held out his hand. When Merlin looked at him quizzically, Arthur whispered without moving his lips, "Kiss the seal." Merlin rolled his eyes slightly, but took Arthur's hand and kissed his ring. "You may retire," allowed Arthur.
Merlin got a little unsteadily to his feet. He had barely turned when a thrown dagger soared at his chest. Merlin caught it automatically with his magic, halting the weapon sharply in mid-air. Gasps hissed through the crowd at the open display of magic. Merlin returned the dagger hilt first along its path down the aisle, abruptly stopping it before the knight who had thrown it. Sir Tremayne stared at his dagger floating in the air before him.
"Take it," commanded Arthur icily, staring at his knight. The crowd silenced abruptly at the new King's tone.
Tremayne complied with a shaking hand, Merlin releasing it as he felt the pressure of Tremayne's grasp.
"Approach me, Sir Tremayne," directed the King. Merlin stepped to one side as Tremayne passed him, neither taking their eyes from the other until Arthur called his knight's attention. "Sir Tremayne, you but lately made a pledge of loyalty to me. Tell me truly if you can not honor it."
"Sire," trembled Sir Tremayne, "I will with all my heart follow wherever you should lead, but if this sorcerer has some hold over you, the only cure is his death."
Arthur's voice softened, but still carried his authority, "Indeed, if he held sway over me, but it is the other way around. I know this is new to you, but trust me for a little while. I will not fail you."
Tremayne nodded, bowing his head in submission.
Arthur raised his voice, "Are there any here who can not in conscience keep their oaths while a sorcerer remains in my service?"
The silence stretched until Gwaine interrupted it with a cry of "Long live the King!" By the third repetition, all the audience had joined the exclamation.
***********************
Arthur took his seat at the head table, waiting while the nobles filed in amidst a general hubbub, Lord Agravaine and Sir Marhaus at his right and Sir Leon and old Lord Arundel filling the seats to his left. He had made no mention of magic to the common people, appearing only briefly on the balcony to receive their accolades and assure them of the continued glory of Camelot. He had announced that there would be changes in the coming days and prayed for the support of his people in his reign. There had been an uncomfortable ripple in the crowd at the allusion to changes, but the rejoicing crowd had hailed him mightily as he withdrew from the balcony.
Arthur frowned as his eyes swept the crowd, noting an unwelcome change. There had been ladies enough in the throne room, but few of them were joining the banquet. Most of the Lords sat down alone, leaving quite a few chairs empty. Arthur smiled and nodded at Guinevere, whose chair was being pushed in by her brother across the room. Guinevere smiled back a little tentatively and Arthur continued to scan, noting only three more Ladies in the room. Lady Isla and Lady Douglas, who held their fiefs in their own names, took seats together as though for support. Lady Ahearn (who Arthur thought was something of an old battle axe) sat with her husband and two of her three knighted sons, though the two daughters of the family were conspicuously absent.
Arthur decided that he'd better put the problem up front, though perhaps not at the head table. Lord Ogden had just begun to pull out the chair at the top of the long table to the right. Arthur called his attention and motioned him to move down. Lord Ogden frowned slightly, but bowed his head and took the next seat down. Arthur caught Merlin's eye, where he'd just sat down next to Gaius at the lowest table, and motioned him forward. Merlin scurried to obey, but Arthur held up a hand to stop him and then pointed to the seat Lord Ogden had just vacated. Merlin shook his head. Arthur nodded once and pointed again. Merlin walked to the seat indicated with as much enthusiasm as he would have shown for the stocks. The general clamor fell markedly as the sorcerer took his seat.
Arthur surged to his feet, raising the goblet Cadby had just filled for him. "To the memory of King Uther," he called. Some of the lords looked as though they could choke on the new King's hypocrisy. Most of the knights looked more accepting. "I am not my Father, but I hope to be as good a King, even if I must do so in my own way."
"To King Uther," responded the audience in reverence. Not everyone's goblets had been filled yet, but everyone raised one. Arthur sat down again and the servants continued to fill goblets at the lower tables while the head table was served steaming hunks of roast boar and boiled turnips with onion and gravy.
A bit of a whispered argument erupted between the servants behind the right hand table. Lord Ogden banged his still empty goblet on the table to call the servers' attention to the fact. Felton, a middle aged servant who had briefly aspired to the place Cadby now held, advanced with a pitcher of wine to fill the Lord's goblet. When he had done so, he stepped around Lord Ogden's chair to fill Merlin's goblet.
Merlin said, "Thank you," and Felton's hand shook so hard in reaction at being spoken to by an acknowledged sorcerer, that he splashed red wine all over Merlin's cream colored shirt and dark leather vest. Again, the general clamor in the hall muted, all attention pinned to Merlin's reaction. Merlin rolled his eyes to the ceiling, considered a moment and then muttered a quick spell. The stain instantly disappeared. Merlin glanced at the head table for Arthur's reaction. Arthur gave him the shallowest of nods and Merlin settled back into his seat, sipping his wine.
Lord Ogden snorted in disgust and got up from the table. He quickly found a spot to sit around the other side of the hall. The two lords next to him followed his example, frowning as though they'd just seen something vulgar. Neither Felton nor any of the other servants would approach Merlin again, and the sorcerer's plate remained empty even when everyone else at the table had been served. Arthur was sure that Merlin would go hungry rather than make an issue of it and was about to say something when Cadby stomped over with a well filled plate for the sorcerer. Thereafter, Cadby saw to Merlin as well as Arthur. This seemed to be too much for Agravaine.
"Sire," he complained, "I can perhaps understand your willingness to take on a sorcerer in the face of Morgana's intransigence, but I would think you would want one who could do more than instantly clean the laundry."
Arthur smiled. "Don't confuse willingness to take on such tasks with inability to do more, Uncle."
"And are we to be treated to exhibitions of such minor magic on a regular basis?" sneered Agravaine.
"Perhaps, Uncle," said Arthur blandly. "My grandfather kept a sorcerer, did he not? Did that sorcerer display his magic often?"
"Osred knew his place, and your grandfather certainly never seated him above the salt," reproached Agravaine.
Arthur frowned. "We can speak of matters of protocol tomorrow, Uncle. For the moment, I've arranged things for my convenience."
"I had a sorcerer myself," broke in Lord Arundel. "That was before the great purge, of course. Never did much, mostly healing magic. Wouldn't have hurt a fly, but Uther would burn him."
"He couldn't have hurt a fly, didn't have the magic for it," snorted Agravaine. "Most sorcerers don't actually. Most only know a few spells and if you get outside their specialty, you can quickly get around them. That's why Uther was so effective at rounding them up. There really aren't that many that are worth anyone's fear."
"Why don't you simply ask the question, Agravaine?" asked Arundel querulously. Addressing Merlin, he demanded, "Young man, are you a match for Morgana?"
Merlin's brow wrinkled with apprehension. "I've won more of our battles than I've lost, my Lord."
"You claim to have battled Morgana?" demanded Agravaine.
"I have, though she hasn't always known it," replied Merlin. Merlin decided it was time to get off the defensive. "She hadn't told you?"
Agravaine was on his feet. "You accuse…? This is intolerable! If you were a knight I'd challenge you. As it is…"
Roaring laughter interrupted him. Gwaine slapped the table in front of him. "I would love to see that, Agravaine. We've spent weeks working out tactics with Merlin. I'll lay odds no single knight can take him and you would have no chance at all."
Agravaine sank back into his seat. "Do you mean to tell me that you never managed to take him, even all of you together?"
"No," replied Gwaine cheerily. "But I'm not about to tell you how many knights it takes. If you want a fair fight though, I'll happily take your challenge."
"Gwaine," warned Arthur, "there will be no challenges at my banquet."
Gwaine lifted his glass in salute.
"Lord Arundel," said Sir Leon diplomatically, "Some of us have had the chance to see what Merlin can do both in practice and, once we knew what we were looking for, on the field. I, for one, am satisfied with the appointment."
"Hear, hear," bellowed Kay heartily, lifting his glass. All the other knights who had worked with Merlin lifted their glasses in agreement.
"I trust that is enough corroboration for you, Lord Arundel?" asked Arthur mildly.
Arundel sniffed. "Well, he can't very well have you all in his power. No sorcerer can accomplish that, or Morgana would have already done it." The matter of the sorcerer seemingly settled for the moment, talk turned to other things.