The King

Chapter 7

Warning!- Suicidal Thoughts/Actions

Narrator POV

Arthur didn't talk much as the Knights searched nearly the entire kingdom for Merlin. They checked Ealdor, his hometown, Willoughby, where his cousins lived, and Stallion Point where he had a good friend and another few cousins.

Arthur and the crew were riding through the Valley of the Fallen Kings when they heard a scream.

"I.. I can't do it anymore." Merlin whispered as he pulled out a knife and held it to his throat. He cut deeper and screamed. He didn't stop though.

Arthur ran into the valley and saw a figure standing with a knife to their throat. He soon realized it was Merlin.

"Merlin!"

He didn't stop.

"MERLIN!"

Arthur tackled him to the ground and threw the knife back to Gwen.

"Merlin, no! You stay with me."

Arthur picked up Merlin.

"Grab his stuff!" Arthur shouted.

The King put his servant on his horse and ripped a piece of his shirt to gently tie around Merlin's neck.

He rode for Camelot.

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~Later In Camelot~
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Arthur's POV

I awoke the next morning and saw Gaius working on some studies and potions on a table. I blinked and looked at the man who had become my best friend lying on the bed with bandages around his neck.

"Will he be alright Gaius?" I ask the old physician.

"I think so sire, although I would advise to keep him on guard. Those who despise him may try something irrational." He nods and looks back down to his book.

I think for a moment and lean down to whisper into my servants ear. "The people will know."

He flinches a bit, but doesn't wake up. I walk out and run to find Gwen.

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Gwen smiled at me, "looks good. The people will know now that magic is not evil."

I smile back at her. "Can you get the Knights to gather as many people as possible in the courtyard?"

She nods and walks out. Ronny and Freya are playing with a couple of wooden horses. I smile at them and walk out, having a feeling that I might make people see the true nature of magic.

"People of Camelot!" I begin, "My father, an honorable man and a good King, put fear into your minds of the true nature of magic. But his views were wrong! He, I regret to speak of him like this, feared magic. He had the power to wage war on it and he did so. Many believe that I am him, when in fact I am not! He is Uther Pendragon. I am Arthur Pendragon. I know magic is not evil. I wish to sow these seeds in your mind, not the ones that my father did. The only aspect of evil in this world is the hearts of men. We use what power we have at our fingertips to cause other humans, our own people pain. I see those who want to harm those who were once friend, and now have become foe. Traitors and betrayal snake through our bloodstream, corrupting us. Magic is but a tool, a tool that can be used to save people! Those who use it are not evil. Many of you must know this. Think of Merlin, the humble serving boy who became my friend, when he could have destroyed me and my kingdom with a flick of his fingers. He helped me and saved my life and he had nearly died because of the way he has been treated since his gift has been revealed to the kingdom. He is good. Merlin, a man well known and very much liked. He is the same person. If he had died that day his blood would have been on your hands. Those whom have tortured and taunted a go.. Great man. Those who have beaten and bruised him. Know that this is not a guilt trip, but a way to show you that magic is not evil. He was prepared to leave Camelot to put the people's minds at rest. He'd have left his family, friends, and all who have ver been close to him behind to put your minds at rest. He'd wreck his life so that yours may be lived in peace. So, magic is not in any way evil, it is merely a tool, a bonus card in the great game we call life."

With that I stalked off and left the people with jaws open.