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Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Merlin was standing behind Arthur holding a pitcher of water as Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table discussed a few foreign affairs. It was not until the end of the meeting that the last order of business came up causing Merlin to panic.

“Now the last order of business today is the offer of a peace treaty, I have received a letter from King Marius of,” At hearing the name of the king Merlin who had been pouring water into Arthur’s cup jumped spilling the water over Arthur’s lap “Merlin you Idiot, get of here I will deal with you later!!”

Merlin just bowed before he practically ran from the room as if the hounds of hell were chasing him not noticing the worried looks from everyone at the table. “Sire do you think Merlin is alright he seemed pretty spooked when you mentioned King Marius?” Lancelot asked worried about his friend.

“I will check on him later but back to the matter at hand, I have accepted the offer of a meeting at the very least as I have no choice. But judging from that reaction that Merlin just had I am beginning to wonder if I did not make a mistake.” Arthur sighed as he ran his hand through his hair “You all dismissed we will meet again in two days before King Marius is due to arrive.”
Merlin had run back to Gaius’s chambers knowing that the physician would be in the lower town at this time of day and right into his room. He sat on his bed in a panic. After a few deep breaths, he got down on the floor and pulled up a different loose floorboard then the one that held his magic books and pulled out a beautifully crafted sword. The blade was folded steel that seemed to ripple like water and had a slight blue tinge to it. The hilt was leather wrapped obsidian with two dragonheads on with sides of the cross guard and a blue gem inlaid on the
center of the hilt.

This sword was one known to belong to a knight in King Marius’s army who had been one of the four elite. He had also been ruthless and cruel in the eyes of many but not many knew that he was forced to be that way, and then all of a sudden he had vanished when Merlin was fifteen and was never heard from again. As he stared at the sword he remember the memories that came with what this sword meant to him as slow tears made their way down his cheeks. Merlin was so deep in thought he did not notice that his uncle Gaius his walked in to his room and saw the blade in his hands until he heard his uncle gasp in shock. Merlin stood quickly sword in hand but not in a striking position ready to defend himself if need be until he saw that it was his uncle who was in the room and he then started to panic again.

“Merlin where did you get that sword?” Gaius asked slightly wary of how Merlin had gotten such a famed blade.

“I guess I have to tell you now as it will come out in a few days anyway when King Marius gets here.” He spat the name of the king with such hatred Gaius knew something was wrong.

“Merlin you can tell me anything, I will do my best to help you.” Gaius soothed his nephew hoping that everything would be alright.

“Have you ever heard of a knight by the name of Ambrosius?” Merlin asked when Gaius nodded, he continued “Then you know the atrocities that he has committed but what most don’t know is that I was forced to commit them. When I was six the original three elite came, to Ealdor they were going to destroy the village but I stood up when everyone else cowered. They were impressed by it and offered me a deal, I would go with them and train to be a knight for their king and they would spare the village or they would raze the village to the ground. I took the deal because I could not let anything happen to my home. Little did I know what I had just signed up for. For the next three years I was trained and I surpassed every other knight their some even older than I was I was a natural with many weapons. However, the thing is I had to shut off all emotion because if I did not I would not have survived with my sanity intact. The way the knights in Marius’s army are trained is never show Mercy, Never leave an enemy alive even if they are unarmed and already down you strike the killing blow. Every knight was trained in the way that if you lost your fight against a fellow knight you were killed for it after being knighted that law came into effect. After the first time I showed Mercy I knew it was just kinder to end their life by my own hand then have them killed by the others as punishment for my mercy as it was monstrous what they did to the man.”

Merlin paused for a moment taking a shuddering breath “by the time I was twelve I had been knighted and made one of the elite four because of the ruthlessness I displayed and my skill with a blade. The king knew my magic when I was thirteen by accident when we were told to destroy one of the outlying villages because they had failed to send in their monthly grain supply to the castle. The king thought I had lit the village on fire to cause more pain and panic but the truth was that I hated what I was forced to do and my magic reacted to my emotions thus the fire. Therefore, in reward he gave to me a young boy by the name of Bran he was only eight but already knew the hardship of living in Marius’s kingdom. He was an orphan who even though he had been through so much hardship was still so innocent it was because of him I did not lose myself completely. He brought be back from the point of no return, He brought back my humanity, and unlocked my emotions that I had buried since I had come to Marius’s court. However, it was found out that I was planning to leave with Bran taking him away from that hell. So in punishment while I was away on business for the king they took Bran and had him burned alive.” Merlin let out a small sob as he remembered the burnt corpse of the boy he had come to love like a little brother who had been killed because of him.

Once he had gotten his emotions back under control, he kept going with his story “I lost all will to keep fighting the regimen that had been inflicted on me then. But right after I turned fifteen the other three elite and I were sent to destroy another village but when it came into view all I could hear was Bran’s voice telling me this was not who I was that I did not need to do this. I could not bear to let him down even though he was gone so I used my magic to knock the others out and then cast a sleeping spell that would keep them out for at least a day with memory loss upon waking. I then rode into the village and told them to pack what they could carry and run. They just stared at me for a moment before I told them I never wanted to be what they had forced me to become and I was trying to save their lives. Soon after many where already leaving the village when a young boy who looked so much like Bran ran up to me and hugged me saying “I knew you would make the right choice, Don’t go back, run and save yourself too.” Before the boy ran back to his family and left. I decided to follow his advice and I ran as well I went back home to my mother. I thought she would turn me away because of what I had done but she welcomed me with open arms. I was only home for a year before I was sent here to protect me and so I could hopefully get help from you with my magic because it had become so strong. However, I never expected that they would come here. If they do it will spell disaster as Marius never does peace treaties in the normal sense he uses them as a way to find out his enemy’s defenses and Camelot would be a crown jewel to him. I have to stop him but I am afraid that I will have to become who I once was to do so and that scares me. I don’t know if I could come back if I do shut off my emotions again to do what I know I will have to do.” By the end of his tale, Merlin was in tears weeping uncontrollably wondering now what he was going to do.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Gaius was floored at what he had just been told but he also could tell his nephew was very frightened about what was to come. Sighing lightly before he sat beside his nephew saying “Merlin, you said you were forced to be that way but that is not who you really are. If that was who you were then you would not have save me when you first came here, You would not have saved Arthur after he had acted as he did. No, that kind, caring young man is who you really are. You do not need to fear becoming that again because no one is forcing you to become that anymore. Your emotions have become your greatest strength, it seems King Marius thinks of emotion as a weakness so use what you know is your greatest strength against him. Show him you are not what he tried to make you, show everyone that.”

“How Gaius, how do I do that when it is well known that Ambrosius had magic and magic is forbidden in Camelot on pain of death?” Merlin asked not seeing a way out of this.

“You know Arthur is not his father and would at least listen to you argument if you do this right.” Gaius then had an idea “Merlin do you still have your Armor as well?” Merlin nodded looking confused “Good then get dressed as Ambrosius with your face shrouded until you see me. Go to the training field but do not show yourself till you see me. Once you do,” Gaius went on to explain his plan that would help Merlin tell Arthur and the people of Camelot the truth so that they can be prepared for what was to come and would listen to what he knew.

At first Merlin was against this but soon enough understood that doing it this way might be the only way he could get Arthur to see that he was serious and that Marius was a major threat to Camelot. Soon enough Gaius left to start his part of the plan while Merlin got dressed and made his way to the training field hoping that this would work.

Arthur was training his knights but his mind was wondering to Merlin’s reaction to King Marius coming here there was something off about it like he knew the king which was impossible as Estire was not in Marius’s domain. He made the decision that he was going to go talk with Merlin as soon as training was over. Arthur was broken out of his thoughts when Gwaine’s sword almost hit him in the hip.

“You should not let yourself be distracted in a fight King Arthur, Camelot needs you now more than ever.” A voice sounded towards his left.

Arthur called a halt to training as he turned towards the voice but who he saw had him instantly on guard but not ready to attack this man as he knew how his story well thanks to a reliable source. “You are right about that. What are you doing here Sir Ambrosius I hope you are not here to harm Camelot as I know your story and hope that you change of heart still remains.”

“I am here to offer my help, Marius does not do peace treaties in the normal sense when he offers a treaty he is actually going to come with his remaining three Elite and while in talks with you his Elite will be walking around looking to all to only be touring the sights of Camelot, but in actuality they will be cataloging everything that can be used against you from guard patrols to the way the lower town is laid out. Anything and everything that can be used against you then once the talks are over no matter which way the go they will be back within three days time with Marius’s full Army at their back and they will take the city in a matter of hours because of all the information gathered while here.”

“What can we do to stop them? Why bring this information to us as I know you used to be one of them?” Arthur asked

“Because I was forced to be the way I was for so long and I cannot see another place especially not Camelot fall to him. I cannot see more innocents die because of his lust for power.” Everyone could hear the pain in Ambrosia’s voice as he continued “I offer my help in any way that I can if you will have me. I can help you stop him, I have to ability to even if it scares me.” The last few words came out in barley a whisper but it was heard clearly by all.

The silence that rang out at that offer was deafening but before Arthur could say anything a young man spoke up “Ambrosius is that you?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

Ambrosius turned towards the voice and could not help the tears that formed in his eyes as the man who had called out to him looked so much like Bran would have had he lived to grow up. He could not help the pain in his voice as he replied “May I help you? If I have hurt someone close to you I will place myself at the mercy of Camelot after this threat is dealt with. It’s nothing more than I deserve, you have my word.”

The young man walked over to him a watery smile on his face as and as he spoke a tear rolled down his cheek quickly followed by another “It’s so good to see you again. Do you remember the young boy who ran over and hugged you saying he knew you would make the right choice when you let that village go?”

“Yes I do, It was him who convinced me to run, to get out before I lost myself forever. I owe everything to that boy.” Ambrosius said with a smile of remembrance.

“I am glad you did run, but did you ever wonder why he knew you would make the right choice?” the young man asked with a knowing smile.

Ambrosius looked at the young man closely “I have wondered that for a long time, how do you know all this?” he whispered brokenly.

“Because that was me, I was that little boy. Do you recognize this?” The young man asked holding up a medallion that seemed to glow a little.

Ambrosius’s breath hitched as he reached out and gently held the medallion as if it was a precious gift as he spoke “I gave this to one I thought of as a younger brother, I was going to get us out and take us far away from that hell. Somehow, they found out. I was ordered to go out on some business for Marius, but it was a way to get me out of the way.” His voice broke as he started to say what had happened, “When I returned I was shown his burnt body, he was burnt beyond recognition. I lost my will to keep fighting them, as my reason for fighting was gone. But when I saw that village knowing what they wanted me to do, I heard his voice like he was right there beside me and I knew I could not do it. So I made sure everyone got away and they were safe. As I ran all I could think about was that boy who gave me the strength to run and I could not help but be grateful to him.” Looking at the young man in front of him “How did you get this medallion, who are you?” everyone around could hear the hope in the man’s voice.

“I think you already know, you enchanted this medallion for me and you can take it off. You made it that way so that no one could hurt me while you weren’t there. The burnt body you saw was someone who could pass as me. They burnt him and sent me to that village knowing it was slated for attack. The boy who hugged you in that village and the boy who loves you as an older brother and protector is me.”

“Bran! It can’t be!” Ambrosius cried out as everyone could see he was holding himself back from grabbing the young man in front of him.

The young man smiled “It is me Ambrosius, its really me and I am proud of you. You may not have ran away with me like we planned but you still kept your promise to me of a better life when you let that village go because it led us here. In addition, even now you protect us when we most need it. However, you need to stop hiding from those who care about you, this is your home now just as much as mine. It is time to stop hiding so drop the last thing tying you to King Marius. Drop the name Ambrosius as we both know that that is not who you are, that is what they made you. You can’t fight him or the other elite when you fear becoming what they made you again.”

Arthur nodded to himself “Your friend is right, You can’t fight to your full potential if you fear becoming what they made you again. If I understand this correctly you have been here in Camelot a long time without knowing that Bran, and the whole village you saved took sanctuary here. You also seem to have friends that you are close to you here, that you are afraid of them finding out about your past. I promise you if they really care about you, they will accept you as you are, so drop the name become who you really are in full. Just because they gave the the skills you have does not make you what they wanted you to be. As your king I order you to remove your helmet and tell us who you really are.”

Ambrosius took a deep breath and kneeled before Arthur as a knight pledging himself to his king “I never wanted to hurt anyone, I lied to those I cared about because my past would only hurt them. The man I serve became my closest friend but everyone knows that Ambrosius has magic and I did not want him to have to lie for me. I wanted to tell him but I could not risk that king Uther would have executed me for it, as many things threaten my friend. I know if the situation was different, I would have told him a long time ago. When I came here I found a man, king worth serving but I am afraid that he will hate me for lying to him for so long. I have served him for the last eight years at first I thought he was a huge prat I could not stand him. But after a while he showed me that he was much more than he showed, I found a man I would follow into the pits of hell itself if he asked it of me. So before I show you my face know that no matter what happens, no matter your decisions about me I am happy to have served you, I will continue to serve you till the day I die, and may I say you have finally learned to listen as well as you fight and I am glad to have met you King Arthur Pendragon, my one true king.”

“Merlin, is that you?” Arthur asked in shock

Merlin removed his helmet but they could see he was terrified of Arthur’s reaction but he stood tall as he said “Yes, sire it’s me. But before you say anything know that I believe in the king you are and I will protect Camelot and you till the day I die whether that be by your hand or not. All I ask is that if you plan to pass judgment on me wait until this threat has passed before passing it. If you want me dead for my lies and my past I can’t blame you I am not asking you to go against the laws for me just asking for a delay so I can protect you one last time then I place myself at your mercy. My life will be yours to do with as you will as it has been since the day I became your manservant and friend.” Merlin kneeled down at Arthur’s feet hoping his friend would give him the time to save him before he passed his judgment of death on him, as it was no more than he deserved.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Arthur could not be more shocked his closest friend was Ambrosius but they now know the true story behind that and he had protected him from the shadows for years, but best of all his best friend just gave him the opening he needed to do something he had been wanting to do for the last six months. “Well I am afraid I can’t wait to pass judgment Merlin as I can’t do that for anyone no matter the circumstances. I’m sorry.”

“I understand I place myself at my kings Mercy.” Merlin was still kneeling before Arthur who could hear the defeat in his friend’s voice.

Arthur looked at all the people gathered and could see almost all of Camelot was now here watching this. He then saw the look of panic on Bran’s face and sent him a reassuring look which seemed to calm him slightly. “People of Camelot, all of you heard what was said here this morning. This has given me the opening to do something that I think should have been done a long time ago. By the very law about banning magic my father passed I should have been killed at birth not because I have magic of my own but because the law was passed do to the reason I was connived. You see my father made the law because he used magic to help him and my mother conceive an heir, my mother was barren. But a law of magic is balance for a life to be given one must be taken in return. My father did not care he just wanted an heir that was until it was my mother’s life taken in return for mine so in his grief he passed the law that any use of magic is punishable on pain of death. This is wrong and one I can now fix. On this day right here in the presence of all of you and a man who has used the very same gifts to protect us all never seeking recognition nor thanks he only did it to protect his friends and his home with the very gift that could have got him killed. That is not the Camelot I want to live in and it will not be as of now the ban on magic is lifted any punishment will fit the crime whether done with magic or without as will any reward given for the good done the same way.”

Arthur noticed Merlin tense as he pulled his sword but he kept going knowing that was the only way to erase his friends fears “Sir Merlin, you were once named a knight in a tyrants kingdom and left to save lives, in all essence you have claimed sanctuary in Camelot and it has been granted. I now ask you to be knighted once again as a knight of Camelot but this time not with a fake name given to you to make you seem more intimidating but as Merlin, already a knight in Camelot in all but name. So do you Merlin swear to uphold the laws of Camelot.”

“I so swear to do.” Merlin strongly said barley able to contain his happiness

“Do you swear to protect her people against any and all threats.” Arthur asked

“I so solemnly swear to do.” Merlin could not contain his happiness this time

“Then as king of Camelot I bid you rise Sir Merlin knight of Camelot.” Arthur said smiling

Merlin rose a smile on his face a tears of happiness in his eyes. “Thank you Arthur this is more than I deserve.”

“No Merlin this is not enough I have a few other things to do first, Now will you Sir Merlin become first adviser to the king as you have unofficially been for a long time.” Arthur smirked at the look of shock on his face.

Merlin could not answer as he was in too much shock he could not believe this was happening he had only hoped to save Arthur one last time but instead he was given everything he had ever dreamed of and more by the man he swore he would always protect no matter what.

“Cat got you tongue Merlin. I do need an answer.” Arthur said half jokingly but also slightly scared he had gone to far.

“I will if it is what you wish of me. For as I have said before you prat I will serve you however I am able till the day I die. Whatever you wish of me I will do as long as I can serve you a king, a man, a friend worth serving. My life, my magic, my friendship, everything I am is at your command always.” Merlin put out his hand for Arthur to take and waited.

Arthur looked down at the hand put out to him then back at Merlin’s face and smiled as he took his hand and pulled Merlin into a one armed hug laughing. “Merlin there is one last thing this is to protect you from anything Marius tries to pull to get you back under his control as sanctuary will not be enough I offer you full citizenship in Camelot as well as your mother if you take it both of you will be protected as all citizens of Camelot are.”

“Thank you Arthur you have given me so much this day already, and now you give me my freedom not from you but from the man who took me from my home and tried to turn me into something I am not and for that I will never be able to repay you. So in return for gifts given I will do everything in my power to make sure Camelot never falls as long as I breathe.” Louder than before so that everyone could hear he continued, “From this day forward Camelot and her people will have my protection from any threat no matter how great. For as long as I breath and live Camelot will not fall this is my promise to you King Arthur Pendragon the once and future king, my king, my friend. This I so swear.”

The crowd went wild and Bran hugged Merlin after Merlin cupped Bran’s cheeks “Thank you Bran if it were not for you showing me the way this day would never have been possible thank you little brother.” Bran just laughed and hugged the man who was his savoir.

“Congratulations my boy, I am so proud of you.” Gaius hugged Merlin with tears in his eyes as the young man he thought of as a son finally got what he deserved.

“I couldn’t have done it without you Gaius, you have been my Guide for a long time and the father I never had thank you for everything.” Merlin said with happy tears streaming down his face.
“Arthur there is one other thing about me you should know,” Merlin waited to Arthur gave his go ahead “My father was Balinor, the Dragon lord we went to find. I did not know until we went to find him but upon his death his gift passed to me, the great Dragon was the last of his kind and I could not kill him but I can command him I showed him mercy and commanded him to do the same to others since then he has helped me save Camelot many times willingly. I think it mend many rifts if you I can call him here I swear to you he will not hurt anyone he has wanted magic and himself to be able to free as much as the next being of magic and he is my kin may I have your permission?”

Arthur shook his head with a small smile as he said “Is there anything you can’t do Merlin, very well call him and peace will be made as I do have to apologize for trying to kill him all those years ago.”
Merlin smiled back before he shocked everyone with the roar that came out of his mouth “O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!” he smiled at Arthur as he said “To the start of a new beginning.”

“To a new beginning my friend.” Arthur replied as he stood next to Merlin waiting for the great Dragon to come to Camelot free for the first time in many years.

Chapter Text

author' note: hey everyone I am sorry for the long update it has been crazy I am in the finals on a karaoke competition so I have been busy with that and then I have been working on the final part of my book I am just adding the world generation then we are waiting for the money to get it published the artwork is almost finished as well so we are hoping it will be out to the publisher by October of this year so if I am not posting for a while please forgive me. I am not giving up on any of my stories it is just getting down to the wire of my first ever book being published. and it will be a four-book series. I will keep you all updated.

Now I need your help with this story I want to know what you think the strategy should be as I have a few ideas but I am letting you all pick what you would like. so here are your options

1. they go out the druids and bring them to Camelot and they help with magical defenses for the city and on the men. you may add two things to this strategy.

2. they use Marius's strategy against him by changing the guard patrols around during the visit, they change anything and everything that they can to feed them the wrong information then when they leave it all goes back to normal with imminent siege protocols. they also have Killgara scout out where Marius's army is. the druids hear magic is free from rumors and come to help Emry in his hour of need.

3. They have Merlin use an old practice that would force Marius's hand by having Merlin face him in single combat to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and two of the knights will be his seconds. In the process, they still change the guard patrols just in case Marius's forces do not stick to the bargain but it will be a fight to the death.

4. This one is to take all of the above and combine it with a few twists thrown in to bring it all together.

please let me know in your reviews this chapter is just a filler so I know it is not much but it is just the calm before the storm. thanks for all your support.

Chapter 5

As they waited for the great Dragon to show up Arthur could not help but ask if Merlin would tell them about some of the things, he had done for them later that night. All Merlin could do was smile and nod his head barely believing that he was free his magic was accepted and now the first steps to Albion coming to be were behind them now it was time to start with getting the whole of Albion under one banner which would take a long time but Merlin was more than happy to wait as he had all he wanted now it was time to usher magic back into Camelot.

Soon enough they heard the great whoosh of wings on the air as the great dragon approached it noticeably slowed down when he saw where he was called to and it seemed a little too close to what happened when he was captured by Uther. “Why have you called me here Merlin?” Killgara rumbled now afraid that his dragon lord had been duped just like his father before him.

Killgara was shocked that it was not Merlin to Answer him but the young king Arthur instead “I asked him to great Dragon. I want to apologize for being so blind about what magic really is. I was blinded by my father’s prejudice and believed his lies about magic and about its people. As of ten minutes ago, I have lifted the ban on magic and I hope you will be a part of the world I wish to build. But either way, you are free and will no longer be hunted for being a being of magic.”

“It’s true Killgara we are free and now I need your help King Marius is coming here to Camelot I will not be able to defend it alone I am asking you to help us in the deference of the city against them.” Merlin called out hoping the dragon would help them.

Killgara laughed as he replied, “You have done it young warlock, Arthur’s future has changed.”

“What do you mean his future has changed?” Merlin asked worriedly

“His future would have led to his death by the druid boy Mordred but now his future has changed to a long a prosperous rein that will echo through the ages. I told you that both your stories would live long in the minds of men.” Killgara paused so his words could sink in before giving his answer “But yes I will help defend Camelot from the tyrant King Marius.”

“Thank you Killgara all of Camelot thanks you.” Arthur smiled happy to know that his kingdom was better protected than he realized.

“You are welcome, young Pendragon. I will fight for the world you and Merlin will build together. Call when you need me Merlin.” And with that Killgara left back to the cave he had been using since his release.

Arthur turned to Merlin with a smile on his face “Merlin I need your help devising a strategy to use against Marius and as the first advisor to the king I think this falls under your expertise.”

“I have a few ideas that could work when would you like to talk?” Merlin replied his cheekbones hurt from all the smiling he had done in the last few hours.

“All knights of the round table meet in the council hall in twenty minutes. That means you too Merlin,” Arthur looked at Merlin’s clothes with a thoughtful look “I will need to get in touch with the royal tailor and get you fitted for new clothes befitting your station.”

“I am not giving up my clothes Arthur, my mother made everything I own and it is one of the only things I have from her so no.” Merlin was adamant that he would not give up one of the only things his mother made for him. He did not need new clothes.

“Ok we will come back to that later, but for now get to the council chambers I will be there in a minute.” Arthur waved Merlin off, Merlin just shook his head with a fond smile but left. Once Merlin was gone Arthur turned to Bran “Bran do you know where Ealdor is just over the border?”

Bran nodded “Yes we passed through there on our way here when I was a child, why?”

“Merlin’s mother lives there, He just said that his mother made everything he has and will not accept new clothes so I thought why not bring his mother here where she can be protected and at the same time she can do what she does and make some new clothes for Merlin that would fit his station. Two birds one stone can you do this for me?” Arthur asked.

“Yes sire I can, I will be back with Merlin’s mother as swiftly as I am able, do you happen to know her name?” Bran replied happy to be able to do something for the man he called his older brother.
“Her name is Hunith, she is the only healer in the town. If you can leave today that would be great but you can go tomorrow latest if need be.” Arthur smiled thanking Bran before heading towards the council chambers ready to start planning to stop this tyrant king from taking his kingdom and hurting his best friend.

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Chapter 6

As Arthur walked into the council chambers, he saw Merlin standing behind his chair with a pitcher in his hands just like he had done for so long and shook his head. “Merlin what are you doing?”

“What I always do, you usually complain that I am not doing what I should. Why what is wrong?” Merlin looked a little nervous now as Arthur was not acting as he normally did with him.

“Merlin, you are no longer a servant. You are a knight of Camelot and the first advisor to the king. That means you sit with us on my right side at the table not standing behind me holding a pitcher. Now sit down and plan for this incoming invasion.” Arthur paused for a second a thought crossed his mind before he smirked at Merlin playfully causing Merlin to feel dread at what Arthur might be concocting to do to him as Arthur spoke “And as I do not want a bootlicker for a manservant, you are going to pick him as long as he is not a bootlicker, I could care less who you pick.”

Merlin just smiled because he already had someone in mind for that he just hoped Arthur agreed. “I already have someone in mind as I know they are no bootlicker. How about Bran?”

Arthur had seen how the boy was with Merlin and thought he might be a good match so gave his consent. “Alright, you talk to him and see if he is willing to take the job. If he is he starts tomorrow.” Arthur could not help but laugh at the open-mouthed expression of surprise on Merlin’s face when he agreed.

Gawaine just reached over and closed Merlin’s mouth with a small smile causing Merlin to jump in surprise and then glare at his fellow knight before getting a smirk on his face. The next thing everyone knew Merlin’s eyes flashed gold and Gawaine let out a yell as his chair was pulled out from under him and he was now hanging upside down in mid-air and looked like a rainbow as his hair was seven different colors his skin was cycling through those same colors, and his cloak had changed from pendragon red to pink with a little yellow daisy instead of a rearing dragon on it. everyone busted up laughing at Gawaine's situation.

After the prank was done, Merlin started to panic as he had just used magic openly for the first time and all the fear he had felt for years if he got caught, he would be killed. Merlin’s magic released Gawaine, and Merlin started to back away breathing heavily looking at all the exits and not recognizing where he was as he started to beg for forgiveness as he folded into himself in fear.

Arthur stopped laughing at Gawaine and looked worriedly at his friend seeing the immobilizing fear that seemed to consume him it was not until Merlin started begging for forgiveness that Arthur realized just how much fear Merlin carried with him for so long and now it was all coming out.

He sighed sadly looking at his friend wishing Merlin had not had to carry this fear for so long because he was too blind to see that his father was wrong. He slowly brought his hands up in a gesture of surrender so that Merlin could see he had no weapon in his hand and slowly started walking towards Merlin talking to him soothingly, “Merlin, it is alright. You have done nothing wrong. Magic is free now remember you are safe here. No one will harm you.” He kept up reassuring Merlin till he was close enough to put his hands on Merlin’s shoulders causing Merlin to jump slightly and look him in the eyes. Arthur could see the panic there and rushed to stop it. “Merlin hear my words you are safe, you are safe my friend you do not need to be afraid.”

Slowly Merlin calmed down until he basically sagged into Arthur as the adrenaline that had been pumping through him stopped.

Arthur just held his friend until he got a grip on himself. When Merlin pulled away, he said “Sorry about that, that was the first time I have used magic in Camelot that anyone could see and after years of hiding in fear it kind of just all came out.”

“Merlin, I understand, but we need you now do you feel like you can continue?” Arthur asked Merlin just nodded sharply before sitting in his new seat and Arthur sitting beside him.

“Alright Merlin, you know King Marius best so what do you think we should do?” Arthur asked now in full command as he was now planning for war."

Merlin thought for a moment before he spoke “As I said in the courtyard Marius will come here with only his three elite, but while he is in talks here his elite will be scouring Camelot subtly taking in everything that can be used against us. Now no matter which way the talks go he will come back with a huge army, one I helped train.” Merlin took a sip of water before continuing

“What I suggest we do is change everything we can, like the guard patrols, knight training as in make our knights look weak and make the training at a different location than normal as it will make them feel superior. I also want to place an illusion on the openings to the passageways that lead to the caverns so that during the siege we can have the people down there and no matter what happens that have a way out if the worst should happen that Marius and his knights won’t know about it. Also, put another illusion at a few crucial choke points in the town so that it looks like there is no way to place men there, but in fact, it is just hidden behind the illusion. Then once they leave, we change it all back and enact siege protocols, get the people into the caves, and start training in earnest. I can help there as I know how they fight and I can show you how to counter it. I also would send Killgara out to scout and keep track of the enemy’s movements so that we have an advanced warning to when they will arrive.” Merlin paused again running his fingers through his hair in nervousness. "I would also like your permission to place some protection spells on the knights as well as on the walls of Camelot it won’t hold forever, but it will give us an advantage. That is all I can think of.”

Arthur could tell Merlin was nervous and hid his smile he never knew Merlin had such a military mind it shocked him in all honesty. It still baffles him that Merlin could be so kind, loyal, and selfless after going through everything he had been through but still be able to plan out a battle like this in such detail. Arthur could not help but shake his head in shock as he spoke “Merlin I do not know how you could be the way you are but be able to pull off a battle plan like this. It is a good one and we will start preparations immediately. We have five days till Marius arrives. Do you think we have enough time to pull this off?”

Merlin thought about it for a few minutes before he answered as he did the calculations in his head trying to see if there were any flaws that Marius could take advantage of but he found none “Yes I think we have enough time.” Merlin nodded not looking at anyone “if we pull this off, we could not only save Camelot but get rid of King Marius and his regime for good. I just hope this works.”

“If you have anything to do with it Merlin, I am sure it will.” Arthur replied with a small smile at his friend before turning to the knights “Sir Leon, you are in charge of changing the guard patrols make sure nothing is the same.”

“Yes, sire.” Leon replied but gave a small smile at Merlin glad that the young man was finally getting the recognition he deserved.

“Sir Percival and Gawaine, you two will be in charge of dumbing down the training for the knights and showing them how to fake being worse than they are I will help where I can.”
Both men gave their understanding of their order with huge smiles on their faces as they were happy for their friend.

“Sir Elian you are in charge of getting the people prepared for a siege to show them where to go when we give the order for siege protocols to be enacted you are also to supervise food getting moved to the caves in case the siege takes more than a couple days. Make sure the people are well prepared.”

Elian just nodded with a small smile.

“Sir Lancelot, you will be helping anywhere you can but mostly you will be helping Merlin in whatever he needs to get his job done. Now we all have our duties lets get them done and hope it will be enough. For the love of Camelot!”

“For the love of Camelot!” all the knights and Merlin replied back before they all left the room to do their duties.

“Merlin, I want you in my chambers after dinner you and I have some things to discuss.” Arthur called out to Merlin as he made to leave the hall.

Merlin just nodded his consent and went back to his room in Gaius's chambers to reflect on the many changes today had brought.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

After a while, Merlin could not sit still as his nerves about what was to come overcame him. He stood quickly and made his way out of Gaius’s quarters and out into the lower town, where he lost himself in setting wards around the outer wall of Camelot, not noticing the time passing at all as he focused solely on his work while trying to forget what was coming if only for a few short hours.

A few hours later, Arthur was sitting in his room waiting for Merlin as he had asked Merlin to be there, but when he did not show up and was now late, all Arthur could do was laugh as he shook his head. “Well, at least some things will never change.” Arthur then stood from his desk and started out of his room when he saw Leon passing by. “Leon, can you help me find Merlin? He was supposed to come to my rooms after dinner so we could talk, but he still hasn’t shown up.”

“He probably just got sidetracked, sire. A lot has happened today.” Leon chuckled before saying he would help find the wayward warlock. With that, Leon left to search the lower town while Arthur searched the castle.

Leon searched most of the town for Merlin before he found him at the outer walls of the city, chanting while his hand was on the wall. Leon guessed he was already starting to add the protections he had talked about earlier. “Merlin!” he called out to gain the warlock's attention, but when Merlin turned around, hand out and eyes flashing, he knew something was bothering his young friend, and with what was coming, he could understand why Merlin would be so jumpy. Leon immediately raised his hands in a gesture of peace, showing he was not armed, as he soothingly spoke, trying to calm the young man down. “Merlin, it is alright. It is just me, Leon. You are safe, Merlin.”

It took a few minutes before Merlin was calm enough to understand he would not be hurt before he pulled his hand back and dropped his head in shame at what he had almost done. “I am sorry, Leon. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. I never meant to threaten you. I am so sorry!” Merlin kept on rambling a little until Leon gently grabbed his arm and pulled the younger man into a tight embrace.

“I understand, Merlin; you have been through a lot today, and you are already on edge with what is to come. I cannot hold a stress-induced reaction against you.” Once Merlin had calmed down and relaxed Leon continued “You were supposed to meet Arthur after dinner, he asked me to help look for you when you did not show up. So how about we head up there now as you look like you could use a break.”

Merlin’s face immediately went from a calm mask to one of a warrior preparing for war which, in a way, Merlin was. “I can’t. I have too much to do and not enough time to do it. I know Arthur wants to know what I have done over the years to help him and Camelot, but right now, if I do not get these protections done, there might not be a Camelot in a few days. I would rather he be angry at me now and alive in a few days than talk to him now and have him dead in the same.” Merlin turned away and whispered, “I will not fail again.”

“Again, What do you mean again?” Leon asked as he saw Arthur standing in the shadows, watching and listening. They both knew this needed to come out now; Merlin needed to face this before Marius came, or it would not end well.

“Nothing, I have to get back to work. Give Arthur my apologies.” Merlin said as he started to walk away. He did not get more than a few steps before a hand closed around his arm, forcing him to stop; Merlin sighed, not turning to look at who held him, “Let me go, Leon, I have to get this done.”

“I’m not Leon, Merlin.” Arthur’s voice spoke from behind him, and Merlin spun around to look at his king, his eyes full of fear. It hurt Arthur to see fear in his friend's eyes. He knew he needed to stop it, “Merlin, I see the fear in your eyes. I know this is not nothing, now talk to me and let me help you. You have been strong for long enough, let me be your strength now my friend.” Arthur’s pleas seemed to reach through the barrier that Merlin had placed around his emotions as merlin lost it.

Merlin pulled away, his eyes filled with self-disgust, and he yelled, “You can’t be my strength, Arthur; this is something you can bear for me! When it comes down to it, I will have to fight all three Elites and the king, and I will have to use what they taught me to win! That means letting myself fall back into that state of mind they trained into me from day one.” Merlin had stopped yelling now; he was breathing hard and now looking at Arthur or Leon, who started at him, their hearts breaking for the pain they could hear in their friend's voice. Merlin slumped against the city wall behind him to keep standing as he continued, “If I let myself fall into that again I might now be able to come back from it, I barely did it the first time.” Merlin finally looked at Arthur with such agony in his eyes that Arthur almost could not take it, but before he could do anything, what Merlin said next made his blood freeze in his veins. “Arthur, if that happens, you have to promise me that you will kill me. It won’t be me anymore but the monster they made me become please promise me that you will not let me harm those I have come to love, please promise me that you will kill me before that can happen.” Merlin sunk to his knees as he begged Arthur to end his life if it came to it.

Arthur knew what he had to do now, it would not end this way. He kneeled down in front of Merlin and grabbed him by the arms, pulling him to his feet and forcing him to look at him as he spoke, “Merlin, it will not come to that. Yes, they gave you the skills you have, Merlin, but you broke from their teachings. You have seen how I run my knights. Use that as your guide. You can use the skills they gave you without falling into that mindset, for that is not who you are. I know who you are.”

“Who am I, Arthur, for I am not even sure I know anymore.” Merlin sighed defeatedly.

“You are a loyal, selfless, clumsy, annoying, magic-using idiot. And I could not have asked for a better friend. You have so many here in Camelot who love and care for you, Merlin. Let us help you now, tomorrow I will show you that you are strong enough to do this. But for now, you need to rest. All of this will be here tomorrow, and we will figure this out together.” Arthur tried to reassure his friend and make him see that it would be alright. Merlin hesitated momentarily before he seemed to sag against Arthur as he just nodded his head agreeing to do what Arthur asked of him. A sigh of relief escaped him as he wrapped an arm around Merlin to support him and started walking him back to his room in Gaius’s chambers. Once he got him there, he explained to Gaius what he wanted to do and asked Gaius to make sure Merlin was ready in the morning when he came for him. Gaius agreed, hoping it would work; they all went their separate ways for the night, hoping that they would be ready to face the threats to come in the coming days.

Chapter Text

Hello, all my loyal long-time fans and my new ones,
Anyone who has read my stories and reads the author's note even if on occasion has heard about my book that I have been writing since before I started writing on either fanfiction or an archive of our own. It has been a long journey but as of today December 11th, 2024 my book is officially at the publishers and in the process of being brought to your viewing pleasure. If you like my writing then please check out my new book. I will keep you all informed of the date it is ready for sale as it would go nowhere without any of you. And don’t worry about it not being where you live it is going internationally right away. I hope you will enjoy it when it comes out and thank you all for your support of my writing on these sites for all these years.
Now enough of my rambling thanks again
Phoenix.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

Thoughts

Mindspeak

(Previously)

“Who am I, Arthur, for I am not even sure I know anymore.” Merlin sighed defeatedly.

“You are a loyal, selfless, clumsy, annoying, magic-using idiot. And I could not have asked for a better friend. You have so many here in Camelot who love and care for you, Merlin. Let us help you now, tomorrow I will show you that you are strong enough to do this. But for now, you need to rest. All of this will be here tomorrow, and we will figure this out together.” Arthur tried to reassure his friend and make him see that it would be alright. Merlin hesitated momentarily before he seemed to sag against Arthur as he just nodded his head agreeing to do what Arthur asked of him. A sigh of relief escaped him as he wrapped an arm around Merlin to support him and started walking him back to his room in Gaius’s chambers. Once he got him there, he explained to Gaius what he wanted to do and asked Gaius to make sure Merlin was ready in the morning when he came for him. Gaius agreed, hoping it would work; they all went their separate ways for the night, hoping that they would be ready to face the threats to come in the coming days.

(Continued)

Merlin woke the next morning to Giaus shaking him awake he did not understand why as it was still a little while before he had to go and wake up Arthur. Half asleep still Merlin asked, "What is going on Giaus? Why are you waking me I don't even have to be up to go and get the prat up yet." 

Gaius chuckled a little at Merlin as he looked at the boy he had come to think of as a son and right now Gaius was having trouble not laughing more at his ward's incredible case of bedhead and pout on his face. "Arthur told me last night to have you up and ready. He also said to tell you to have your sword ready and on you, I do not know why. He will be here soon and you need to get up now." Gaius felt saddened as he saw Merlin shift from the barely awake boy he looked to be to the young man he had seen yesterday. A young man who knew that he could defend his home but was afraid to do it because of what could happen. He could only hope that Whatever Arthur had planned would help alleviate some of the fear that had grown in his boy since yesterday.

Merlin, on the other hand, was worried about what Arthur could have planned and hoped nothing bad would happen. "I understand. I will be ready momentarily."

Gaius sighed but nodded before he left the room to let Merlin get ready. Merlin on the other hand just got dressed wondering what Arthur could have planned but as he went to grab his sword he looked at his armor with hate as it was the reminder of the man he was forced to become but it was all he had to much to get done and he would not waste time on another set of armor until this danger had passed. "I will not fail again. I will not let another place or person I care about fall to him." he thought before he turned and walked out of his room and walked over to the table he had eaten so many meals at since coming to Camelot. As he sat and watched Gaius putter around his room's he could not help but realize he never really thanked Gaius for all he had done for him over the years. "Gaius." 

Gaius did not even look up as he answered "Yes Merlin?" 

Merlin smiled at the familiar sight "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Gaius looked up at that but nodded then came over and sat down in front of Merlin. Merlin took a deep breath trying to figure out how to say what he wanted to say. After a moment he finally spoke hoping his uncle would understand just how much he meant to him. "I don't think I ever really thanked you for all you have done for me over the years. Gods know it would have been a lot easier for you had not been here. But you took me in and showed me that my magic did not make me a monster. You showed me it could be used for good. You even helped me find a purpose for it and more. You have been invaluable to me and the father I never had and just in case anything goes wrong,"

Gaius interrupted loudly and firmly stating "Nothing is going to go wrong."

"I hope not but I also know how probable it is and I need you to know how much you mean to me, and that I would not be who I am today without your guidance. I need you to know how grateful I am for everything and I hope you never forget that no matter what uncle."

"Oh my boy," Gaius sighed as he got up, rounded the table, and pulled his nephew into a hug as he continued "I have always known that you had a much bigger destiny in front of you than most but I was glad to help you in all ways not only because you are my nephew but because of the caring, smart. and brave man I have come to know and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if asked."

Merlin hugged Gaius back tightly hoping this would not be the last time they could talk like this. Almost sensing his Nephews thoughts Gaius whispered "We will pull through this. Just believe in yourself Merlin and what you have built here and do not let anyone take that away from you for that is what you fight for."

Merlin nodded before pulling back with a small smile and a few tear tracks on his cheeks "Thanks." 

Gaius just nodded with a small proud smile before going back to his work leaving Merlin to his thoughts. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door Merlin stiffened up before Arthur walked in. Arthur saw Merlin and gave him a small smile. "Come on Merlin, We have much to do today." 

"What are you planning Arthur?" Merlin asked suspiciously.

" You'll find out soon enough. now let's go." Arthur replied motioning for Merlin to get moving.

Merlin just sighed before getting up with a quick goodbye to Gaius and followed Arthur out of the castle and into the lower town. Merlin was confused when they finally came to a stop at the blacksmith and Elion and Gwen were both there smiles on their faces as they greeted them both. Arthur thanked both Elion and Gwen for being there and then turned to Merlin "If understood Correctly last night Merlin, you a still afraid of becoming what they made you when this fight comes. To hopefully help you break away from that fear some things need to be done and the first thing is getting rid of the Armor that they made for you when you became what they wanted you to be. Elion and Gwen have both agreed to make new armor for you and as a knight of Camelot, you need to look the part. So we are here first to get your measurements then we are heading to the training field. Now go with Gwen and get your measurements for your new Armor while I talk to Elion."

Merlin knew it was no use arguing with the prat when he was like this as he would get his way in the end so shaking his head in bemusement he followed Gwent into the back room.

(With Merlin and Gwen.)

As Gwen made Merlin stand with his arms out so that she could measure his shoulder to arm length she said "I am so happy for you Merlin. You are finally getting the recognition you deserve. I know everything will be alright."

"I don't know that Gwen. Marius is cruel and he does not discriminate he will harm anyone man, woman, or child. He makes Uther at his worst look like a child's temper tantrum. I don't know if can win this and not lose everything in the process. But I will do whatever I must to win. I won't let him take anything or anyone else from me." 

Gwen had finished her measuring as she stopped to look Merlin in the eye as she spoke "I know that no matter what happens even if we fail you will have done everything you can to save us all as you have always done apparently and I know that you will not be to blame. But I have faith that we will win and see a brighter future ahead of us."

Merlin smiled as his first friend in Camelot "Don't ever change Gwen," He pulled her into a hug as he said again "Don't ever change."

Gwen just held her friend for a moment before they parted and headed back out to Arthur and Elion.

(With Arthur and Elion while Merlin and Gwen were in the house.)

Arthur watched as Merlin walked away with Gwen hoping this would work before turning to Elion. "Elion I need to add something to Merlin's armor as after all this is done and Marius is gone I have some other plans and this plays into it. I need you to change the sigil on the cloak from the pendragon dragon to a gold unicorn I think it fits Merlin better. It is also a play on one of our little adventures earlier in our lives when I tried to stop me killing the unicorn and the whole adventure that followed. It was the first time I truly understood what a friend he was to me. I just wish I would have seen it sooner."

Elion clapped him on the shoulder as he replied "You're doing something now sire. I must say even I am glad with the changes you have made since becoming king. Camelot is a better place to live since you became king."

Arthur gave a small smile at his knight "I am glad you are here as well Elion. You are a good knight and a good man and someone I am glad to have as a friend."

(Merge back together now.)

Just then Merlin and Gwen came back out and Arthur knew now was the real test he just hoped this went as he hoped it would and did not end badly. "All done." When Gwen gave a nod Arthur told Merlin to follow him to the training field. As they walked Arthur could see Merlin getting more and more tense. "Merlin nothing is going to happen we are just doing some training and i want you to help me show the knights what to look out for when fighting this new enemy. You have the knowledge we need to win this fight so let's use it." 

Not long after they reached the training field. Merlin was terrified of what Arthur would ask of him now as from what it sounded like Arthur wanted Merlin to fight with him using what he knew.

"Knights today we are going to have Merlin show us what our enemy can do and hopefully we can use this to figure out how to counter them. Pay attention and do not interfere no matter what." Arthur told his knights before drawing his sword. 

Some of the knights looked at each other as they knew what Arthur was trying to do and hoped this would not backfire. "Merlin grab your sword and take position, you are going to fight me. The only rule is no killing or maiming, other than that give me all you have got." Arthur barked falling into his training mindset. He also knew that he could not afford to be Merlin's friend right now he had to be his king and commander.

"Arthur, please no." Merlin shook his head to emphasize how much he did not want to do this a look of unadulterated fear on his face.

"Merlin do not make me order you because I will. This needs to be done or we will not survive this now get into position." Arthur replied sternly hating he was causing his friend so much fear but knew it had to be done to help him.

Merlin sighed and with a shaky breath drew his sword and took position. As he settled into his old fighting stance he instantly calmed and got ready to fight. 

Arthur watched the change come over Merlin and was a little shocked at this instant change that overcame his friend but knew he now had to finish this. As he settled into stance he studied Merlin. Merlin had his sword where the tip was just behind the left side of his head in a stance he had never seen before. He was leaning his wait on his back foot and his feet slightly spaced to give him more balance and speed than strength. Arthur thought to use that against him.

Arthur waited for a moment then struck only to be shocked when Merlin was already in motion pivoting out of the way of his swing and using the hilt of his sword to jab him in the kidney before turning and attacking again giving no quarter or chance for Arthur to regain his footing. Merlin had sunk into that mindset that he had been in for so long as he fought Arthur that he thought of nothing but defeating his opponent. The fight went on for almost an hour and as the sun burned overhead both combatants were now sweating and Arthur was starting to feel the strain. Merlin on the other hand did not even notice the strain just as he had been trained to do. Knowing he would have to end this fight now Arthur tried to use a feint to trick Merlin but he saw it coming and blocked the feint and used it to force Arthur to the ground and ended the fight with his blade against Arthur's neck. The only problem was that he was fighting his own training to not kill Arthur. 

Arthur could see the war his friend was waging within himself and knew what he needed to do. "Merlin it is over. I know you can do this, come back to us."  while staring at his friend he could not help but think "Please Merlin, come back to me my friend do not let them win." 

Merlin heard Arthur's thought and it was enough to pull him back backing away as he shook his head before looking back at Arthur with shock and a little anger "What were you thinking? If was not able to stop myself from following their training you would be dead right now. You have no idea how hard it was to not follow that training! I could have killed you, Arthur!" Merlin yelled not understanding why Arthur had done this.

Arthur gave a sigh of relief as he saw that spark in Merlin he knew was still there hidden under all the fear. "Merlin, I had to take that chance. I had to show you that you could do it. As I said yesterday how can you fight them when you are afraid of what you can do? I knew you could do it but I had to force you into that situation to show you this for there was no other way than for you to see for yourself. Now you know that you can do this and still stay true to yourself. You are more than they made you and it is time you stopped blaming yourself for what they made you do and embrace what you have here and what you have accomplished for that is who you really are. If you ever feel lost just think of that, of us, of Camelot and you will find your way back. We will be your guide." 

Merlin looked down breathing heavily trying to believe his friend then he looked up at every one of his friends around him and saw the same look of confidence and caring being sent his way by all of them. Seeing this Merlin's scared heart started to finally heal and he was finally able to start forgiving himself. Looking down and shaking his head he said "This was stupid." Before he looked up with a smile weakly "But I am glad you did, prat." 

Merlin did not hear what Arthur replied as a voice enter his head saying "Emerys"

Chapter Text

hey all i hope that me posting this is the right way to do this but here is a link for my book if you want it. https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/ i hope it works as it is the first time have posted a link to anything on this site. thanks all for all your support over the years on my fanfictions and i hope you all have a good day.
the name of the book is Chronicles of the Drixon Birth part 1 by K. J. Christiansen thanks again

Phoenix

p.s. thanks to all of you who told me that my last post was crossing guidelines and thank you to the one who told me i could post a link and not get into trouble.