Becoming Magic

The Sword in the Stone

A/N: This is my final installment of this particular story. HOWEVER, there will be an epilogue, and potentially a sequel. Thanks for sticking with me this far! I hope you enjoy it! Also, I'm sorry. You'll see why. 

When they woke the next morning, they knew they couldn't neglect their duties any longer. The week was meant to be preparations for the celebration with the Druids. Standing outside Gwaine's room, Merlin couldn't bring himself to move away from his husband. But he had to. They both had their duties. Merlin went to the King finally, having picked up his breakfast, and entered to find Arthur asleep on his desk. It looked like he had been working, but what amused Merlin, was that he'd fallen asleep and his head had landed in his dinner remnants. He set the breakfast tray down loudly, and Arthur's head shot up.

"Morning." Merlin said, with a small grin, and went to open the curtains the rest of the way. He poured some water in a small basin so he could help wash Arthur's now matted hair. He dipped a cloth in the water and started to rub at his temple. Arthur didn't move, just sat still while Merlin ministered to him. Arthur could pick up that something was bothering Merlin, but he knew the younger man would share when he was ready. The day seemed to drag on, both men still subdued. And it continued this way for the rest of the week. The week of the festivities, their attitudes and demeaners hadn't improved. It was a few days from when the Druids were set to arrive that there was a small banquet for the Knights, council members, and various nobles. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was the last time Arthur had planned to have Merlin serving him.

Arthur had taken the news of Aggravaine's treachery badly. He still hoped that the preparations he'd put in place would be enough to allow them to fight back. Arthur had taken care of these with Leon and had a separate plan in place with Lancelot and Corbett to keep Merlin from Morgana when the time came. Merlin had refilled his cup and stayed nearby, so Arthur had registered the instant that Merlin gasped and rocked back slightly on his feet, and dropped the pitcher. They locked eyes briefly as Arthur came to stand in front of him. Morgana is here, in the citadel. Merlin spoke through his mind, though he hadn't just directed it at Arthur, he knew the Knights had heard as well as they were all instantly on their feet. He only hoped he kept it to the people that were aware of his abilities, but he wasn't sure since his magic had rushed through him so suddenly. The warning bells sounded and a squire ran in announcing that the lower town was on fire, with an army making its way toward the castle. Arthur sent his Knights out to meet the invading force and had Merlin escort the remaining nobles to safety. It was a short battle though. The Knights fought as best they could, but they were quickly overrun. Lancelot, Corbett, and Eoin were doing what they could to keep the invaders out of the castle, but they were soon pushed back. When they knew they would be captured, they sent Corbett to find and protect Merlin. Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan were protecting the makeshift hospital as well as they could.

Merlin had run out to the battling forces to ensure Arthur's safety. He was able to pull Arthur behind a pillar as the main part enemy forces approached the castle, but he'd already been injured. Leading the warriors was a man Merlin guessed to be Helios, Morgana of course, and Aggravaine. Though Arthur had been aware of his treachery, it didn't make the sight any easier to bear. Merlin pulled Arthur's arm over his shoulders and put his own around the King's waist and drug him to Gaius. Corbett had found them on the way and helped carry the King's weight. Arthur had a few broken ribs and was barely able to stand. Merlin wasn't much better. He was swaying on his feet due to Morgana's proximity and the depth of her dark magic. Gwaine was there trying to keep Merlin steady as much as he could. Gaius wrapped Arthur's ribs but the King was refusing to flee.

"You need to get the King to safety." Gaius told Merlin, who was only upright thanks to Gwaine.

"He won't go willingly. There must be something you can give him? A potion or something?" Merlin asked.