Darkness

King of Magic

It was midday the next day when Merlin finally woke. Elyan and Percival had been sitting outside the tent debating on waking him, when he came out and stretched his hands high above his head.

"Merlin! Nice of you to join the land of the living!" Percival exclaimed. Merlin chuckled.

"Yeah, I know. Sorry about that. I hadn't realized how tired I was. Being a single parent for a few months and then having nightmares keep me awake for over a week really did a number on me." Merlin ran his hands through his hair and over his face, trying to hide his yawn.

"No judgement, Merlin. Just giving you a hard time." Percival smiled.

"Think you'll be ready to go soon? If we aren't back tonight you know the King will probably send a patrol out to search for you." Elyan asked.

"Yeah, we can leave soon. An hour maybe?"

"Alright. We'll check the horses are ready, looks like you have some people to talk to before we leave." Elyan pointed behind Merlin. Merlin already knew Iseldir was standing there along with several others. He rolled his eyes at his friends and then went to the group of Druids.

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Merlin stretched his shoulders back and stood tall, back straight, and turned around to face the gathered Druids. Though Percival and Elyan had gone to get things ready, they lingered near enough to watch the interaction.

"They're treating him like a king or something." Elyan whispered to Percival. "How much of this should Arthur know?" he asked.

"I plan to tell him everything we learned last night. Though we should probably do it without Merlin there." Percival responded quietly. They then resumed straining to hear what Merlin and the Druids were discussing.

"...should know. We only wish to have you honored as you deserve." Iseldir said.

"I'm aware of what you desire. I would prefer to remain as I am, but I know that won't be possible for much longer. I will do as you ask, but only on one condition. The battle with Morgana and myself must come to pass first. Once that has passed, then I will step forward and be the leader of magical peoples." Merlin answered.

"You will be our king." Iseldir stated firmly.

"Fine. I will take the oaths required of magic binding myself." Merlin said, annoyed. Iseldir only smiled.

"That is all we ask." Iseldir replied, bowing. Once he bowed the others followed suit.

"Be ready. The fight is coming, and it will not be easy. Make sure any Druids you meet know and understand what is coming. Any magical blood spilled is too much." Merlin stated, and turned to leave. He hadn't changed, and still wore the impressive attire of a lord when the group mounted and headed towards home.

"So, Merlin, would you like to explain some of what is going on or....?" Elyan encouraged.

"I told you I would. Since we are heading back I guess now is as good as any time." Merlin grumbled. Percival grinned. "I spoke to the Diomere. It was what Morgana and her men were searching for in Ismere. It gave me some information that I probably shouldn't have gotten. Anyway, I'm fairly certain Morgana had some of the sorcerers with her send me those dreams. But my magic has never reacted normally and it lashed out trying to fight the source. That's what caused so many issues while I tried to sleep. The Druids were able to help me block the magic and reveal two alternatives for what is to come. Either there will be a large battle with unthinkable casualties, or, I will face Morgana...and she will lose." Merlin's voice was quiet and soft by the end.

"Care to explain why the Druids seem to regard you in such high esteem?" Percival prodded, changing the subject. Merlin groaned.

"They are stubborn traditional people. There was a prophecy that they have carried around for centuries and they believe that time is now." Merlin took a deep breath and sighed. "Magic shall be born into physical form and guide and protect the Once and Future King meant to bring about the golden age of Albion, a grand united kingdom. Once the golden age was brought about, Magic would return to guide and lead his people toward balance and light. Showing the goodness and love that magic represents." Merlin recited, more annoyed than anything.

"And you don't want to do that?" Elyan asked, curious.

"It's not that. Its...I like where I'm at now. I like my life. Camelot. I have everything I need, and magic is free to use everywhere. But they want me to take my prophesied place. I may be well versed in politics having served Arthur for so long, but it doesn't mean I want that responsibility. Doesn't matter though. I have at most a year, I think, before that time." Merlin replied.

"You'd be a good ruler, I think." Percival said, thoughtfully. "When we get back, we will need to report directly to the King before you can head off. I know you're in a hurry to get back to Gwaine and William, but report first, then family time, alright?"

"Ugh. Yes mother." Merlin said sarcastically, causing the others to burst out laughing. Merlin laughed as well. The rest of the trip was uneventful and soon they were entering the lower town. The Druids who lived there had caught sight of Merlin and hurriedly dropped to a knee as he passed. Several other townsfolk watched, confusion clearly visible. When they arrived at the castle, they passed off the reins and headed for the audience chamber following a servant. The guards opened the door upon seeing the group, and several gasps were heard when they entered the room. Merlin cocked his head slightly trying to figure out why everyone was acting so strangely. Percival and Elyan were grinning like fools behind him. They glanced down, quickly and Merlin did the same, only just realizing he was still wearing the Druids ceremonial garb. Seeing Merlin's reaction only made Percival and Elyan struggle to keep from laughing out loud.

"Merlin. Good of you to join us." Arthur said, eyeing him carefully.

"Yes, Sire. Sorry for the delay." Merlin responded, deciding to play his part of Druidic leader for a moment. His back was straight, shoulders and head held high. Several courtiers were watching in awe. Merlin looked like royalty.

"Report." Arthur instructed, sitting back in his high backed chair, watching. Merlin relayed his version of events, leaving out all the Druid reverence. Arthur dismissed Merlin once he was done, Merlin inclined his head and left to find his family. Percival and Elyan remained in front of Arthur once Merlin had been dismissed. "Can one of you explain why it is that Merlin is dressed like royalty?" Percival and Elyan looked at each other, having a silent argument, before Percival stepped forward.

"Sire. While we were in the Druid camp, they treated Merlin like a king. They bowed to him, spoke his name, well, his Druidic name, with reverence and awe. He is their leader. They told us of many prophecies regarding him. He is magic in physical form, if the stories are to be believed. Their prophecies stated that once he had helped the Once and Future King bring about the golden age, that he would return to them as their king. The king of all things magic." Percival recalled.

"And he told you that I was not to know what happened while there, didn't he?"

"Yes, Sire. He requested that we not tell you everything." Elyan stated. Arthur looked pensive. And agitated.

"Thank you. That will be all. You're dismissed." Arthur announced. The knights bowed and left the audience chamber to return to the knights hall. They were determined to at least tell those closest to the warlock about his destiny. They wanted to ensure he was protected as much as Arthur. After all, he was a king as well.