Merlin: In Modern Times

Chapter 2.1: A Final Resting Place

Most people would watch the event on television, but it was certain that nearly the entire population of Britain would somehow take part in the late King's funeral. A long procession carried the gold covered coffin through London's streets and towards the biggest abbey on the so called 'final journey'. The uniforms and horses lead the way in silent respect. But most eyes were on the coffin and on the four people walking not far behind it. It was the King's brother, Charles, his daughter, the princess Elizabeth (Elly), the crown prince, Arthur, and his fiancée, the future Queen Gwen. Arthur kept a stoic face, but his eyes were filled with deep sorrow. The media was already praising him for handling it so well, though many also commented on just the smallest move he'd make that would reveal him as emotionally compromised.

But none of the surrounding people could know how he felt when walking the long distance towards the abbey. Six soldiers stood ready to receive the coffin and carry it into the abbey itself. Arthur hardly blinked as he watched his father's last trip into Westminster Abbey. Automatically when they entered the church, it was as if the façade he had been displaying was malfunctioning. He bowed his head in an attempt to hide it and only looked at the church floor as he made his way up the aisle to his designated front seat. He did not want to meet any glances of pity and crying faces. He was not sure he could take it. He wanted to shut everyone out, the entire world even, and just let this funeral be a private one. That was of course impossible when he was heir to the throne of England. He had not once felt ready for the responsibility. Least of all now when his father was no longer here to yell or to guide him.

Glimpses began to appear in Arthur's mind. They were memories of his father and the times the two of them had spent together; the first time Arthur had won the annual sword fighting tournament, when they had gone to a far away country on Arthur's first long duration journey away from the British isles and when his father had given him his ring. The ring Stuart had been so desperate to possess. It was The King's ring. This memory was a bittersweet one, because it was a father'a passing of respect to his son, but it was also the passing of King John Uther. The end of an era.

The day of the King's death had been cloudy with some showers of rain. Arthur had been spending his day with Gwen and with combat against McGwaine. He was a good opponent, who continuously improved his fighting skills. The sword fit him perfectly as a companion. McGwaine also didn't mention anything of the King or his illness. Instead he made horrible jokes and talked about all sorts of random things he could think of to put a little smile on Arthur's face.

Then Arthur's uncle, Charles, showed up with a grave expression and with Agent Percival Thomas right behind him. Any fool could see that something was wrong - very wrong. Arthur felt how the sword grew heavy in his hand.

"You better come with me, Arthur," Charles said in a low, respectful voice.

Without thinking, Arthur let his sword drop to the ground. He felt frozen in place, yet his legs were carrying him away from the field and a worried looking McGwaine. Slowly, Arthur followed his uncle back into the now silent palace. The flag was already at half-mast as tradition had it when a death occurred. It was like each step took the same energy as it would take to lift a heavy stone. The aisles felt cold and unwelcoming to Arthur. His home of 23 years. Everything was without meaning. He felt it now more than ever. Hopelessness had been his companion for some time now and so he had not thought when it finally did happen - when he finally did lose his father - that it would set off such a reaction in him. His heartbeat had increased tenfold and he tried to hold his head high. A manageable task has his emotions not threatened to erupt inside him like a merciless and all-consuming volcano.

Of course Charles had his reasons to worry, but his distrust made Arthur angry. He wanted to scream and yell at him and he didn't cared who listened. Charles was in many ways a more tolerable man than his late brother though he did not have the same qualities when it came to leadership and making speeches. Charles was more a man for discussing art or historic events over a good scotch. He always made sure to look proper and important.

But that day his facade was crumbling. Next to him was Elly whose cheeks were teary waterfalls. Not a single person in the room had their usual poise that day. Nevertheless when Arthur arrived the King was officially declared dead and everyone turned to Arthur, kneeling.

"Long live the king!"

Arthur stood tall. He had a newfound energy in attempting to make his father proud - at least for now. He reached for Gwen's hand and brought her out of the room where Merlin awaited them. He followed them silently to the study that now belonged to Arthur and closed the door.

Merlin cleared his throat and tried to stay objective. "Your coronation will take place in two months. And I suggest the wedding should be held at the same date."

This made the otherwise numb Arthur wake up some. "At the same time?" He repeated with a frown.

Merlin folded his hands. "We do live in a modern world. And it is meant to be your big day and I only want to make sure it will be so. And since it is custom to set the date immediately after... You know... I am still keeping to some of the old traditions. But the people might like the idea of one big event giving them both a new king and a new queen."

Gwen took Arthur's hand. "I like the idea," she said. "But if you don't want to I'll understand."

Arthur sighed deeply and ran his hands over his face as if to contain his frustration. "Set the date," he mumbled. "Thank you Merlin, that's all for now."

Merlin nodded and gave a light bow before leaving Arthur and Gwen to themselves.

Arthur couldn't let himself cry. Not even when Gwen left him on his own for a bit to get them some tea. He felt frozen in place. Hopelessness had been his companion for a while now so he had not thought he would feel much when the final day came. Nothing, however, could have prepared him for this blow. The temptation to give in to fear was enormous. But Arthur was not the son of a king for nothing. Now was his time to truly prove his worth. Now was his time to truly learn who to trust and who to let go of.