The rise of Arthur Pendragon

The End

We begin at the end of the story. Well, the end of the young kings life. He'd fought hard, as had the worlds most power sorcerer but sadly as every life has to, it came to an end but that is also where we begin. Kilgharrah had told Merlin that this would not be the end, he had told him that the once and future King would rise again and that is what kept Merlin going.

There was a harsh wind that whistled through the trees, the air was icy and pressed uncomfortably against Merlin's pale cheeks, the sky was grey and suffocated my clouds which threatened to cover everything below in water. Merlin glared up at the sky and adjusted his red neckerchief, like every day before he followed the muddy path down to the bank of the lake of the lake of Avalon. But unlike every other day, something caught Merlin's eye, it glinted in the faint sunlight and immediately Merlin's attention was drawn to it. This was very different to Merlin's normal routine, normally he would walk up to what used to be Camelot, see if anything had changed then he'd walk to the market, buy some food and go straight back to his cave next to the shores of Avalon. But today he stood at the mouth of the cave staring questionably at the object that was rested on the large rock near the shore. The cold waters lapped the rock but the sword had clearly been placed on the rock and not washed up. Instead of using his magic to bring it to him, he walked over his natural curiosity taking over him. As he got closer, his breathing quickened, his eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open in a mixture of shock, upset and unexpected excitement. It was the first emotions Merlin had felt in over 90 years. His still youthful face reflected expectantly in the sleek sliver metal, the beautiful golden patterns still shone like they had been engraved the day before. But Merlin knew they hadn't, Merlin knew it was the sword. 

Arthur's sword.

The feeling of hope was so strong Merlin struggled to step forward to wrap his hands round it but as he lifted his arms out to get it a voice interrupted him.

"I believe that is mine." his voice was rich and strong, it had not changed but even so it made Merlin stumble and tears filled his eyes.

"Arthur?" Merlin stammered his legs giving way beneath him as he laid his eyes upon the young King. He was still dressed in heavy chain mail, draped over his shoulders was his cloak still shining with the golden lion of Camelot. Arthur's hair stone in it's golden beauty and his face looked as youthful as they day of his death. 

"Arthur" Merlin stated attempting to run towards him, without thought he wrapped his arms around his neck and held him so tight Arthur almost couldn't breath.

"Merlin" his voice was barely a whisper "What happened?" he asked innocently, Merlin was unsure of what he did and didn't remember but all Merlin could think was Arthur. No other thought passed through the young Warlocks mind, he just wanted Arthur.

"Do you know how long I have waited for your return" Merlin's voice shook as he failed to take in what had just happened. 

"Judging by what you smell like, a long time" Arthur laughed as if he'd been away on a hunting trip and not just risen from the dead.

"Merlin, seriously, what the hell happened? Where have I been? Which was is it to Camelot?" Arthur bubbled with questions but Merlin was still pressed against his chest in disbelief. 

"I think we should sit down and talk" Merlin suggested quietly as he slowly realised what he had to tell his bestfriend.

"You've been dead for almost a century" Merlin whispered as Arthur sat down on the grassy bank.

"100 years" Arthur tailed off his voice shaking "But Qwen and Leon and Percival" Arthur added as he looked down at his feet "And you're still here because you're magic" Arthur added bringing his eyes to meet Merlin's who nodded steadily even though his hands was shaking.