Was it Worth It?

11. The Honest Truth

Sorry for the wait, school has started up again. This is part 1 of the ending, I can't believe it's gotten this far. I am so thankful for everyone who takes the time to read it or vote or comment, I love you all. Hope you enjoy <3

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Merlin regained complete mobility within a day, his magic helping him heal faster than others. He still had nightly nightmares, often waking up in a cold sweat with tear tracks streaking down his face. He started eating regularly again too, he needed his strength if he was to lug Arthur's armor around all day. Some days he would be able to smile a real smile, maybe even laugh, but those were far and few between. Other times he would randomly break down in tears, it usually took a half hour or so for him to stop. The hardest part of being back was that Arthur didn't allow him to be in on their hunts for Morgana, he was completely in the dark about everything. Most days it was infuriating for him, being treated like he was fragile, but he understood that it was for the best. He needed to be in the right mindset for that, and he couldn't trust his own judgement anymore.

It's been two weeks since Merlin arrived back, he started visiting Freya again, glad that he now knew that she was there listening. Now, he was crying less and smiling more, even his nightmares were getting less intense. He was glad to have his friends, he didn't know where he would be if he didn't have them.

Currently, he was tidying up around Arthur and Gwen's room while they were eating breakfast. Arthur clears his throat, gathering Merlin's attention.

"So Merlin, it's been two weeks since the incident with Morgana, and it seems to me like you're getting better and healthier," Merlin nodded in agreement, slightly confused on where this was going, "If it's okay with you, I would like to allow you back into the meetings about Morgana." Merlin's face broke into a grin, a real, happy grin.

"Really? Thank you so much! I promise I won't go out of line again." Merlin rushed through his words, never once losing his usual dopey smile. Gwen grinned happily at the two, glad that things were turning up. They deserved a break. Merlin's smile suddenly dropped, and his face contorted into one of doubt.

"Are you sure you want me back, sire? What if I lose control again?"

Arthur sighed quietly and grabbed Guinevere's hand, "If you do, know that you will have the king, the queen, and the highest knights of Camelot on your side." Merlin's doubt slowly faded and he went back to work with a newfound pep in his step. Arthur released Gwen's hand and smiled to himself, he couldn't wait to tell Merlin what he's been working on for the past few months that the clumsy servant has been back in his life.

The next meeting having to do with Morgana was the next day. Some of the members of the court were displeased with the warlocks return, but most didn't mind and liked having the fresh set of eyes.

"So Merlin, Morgana has moved bases and we have been trying to locate her so that we can orchestrate another ambush. However, so far we have been unsuccessful in finding her new base. We are hoping that having a fresh set of eyes will speed up the process, perhaps you'll see something in a different light." While Arthur was droning on about all the work they didn't do Merlin was looking over the map.

"Why don't we set up a meeting with her?" He says, completely cutting off the king's ramblings. Taken aback, Arthur hesitates before answering.

"I don't think that would be a good idea, the last time something like that happened a lot of people died." He replied, thinking back on all the unneeded suffering.

Merlin nodded along thoughtfully. "True, but that was before you had an amazing and all powerful warlock on your side," The court looked at them doubtfully, "You can't fight sorcerers with swords, you know that. But you can fight a powerful sorcerer with an even more powerful warlock."

Arthur sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing his temples. "Who would be going with you on this crusade?" Merlin's smile widened.

"You and some of the knights. We will tell her only to bring a select few of her followers as well."

"And what makes us think that she will listen to our terms?" One of the court members interjected. Merlin thought for a moment before snapping his hand. A scroll and a quill appeared on the table in front of him. The court members gasped and shuffled back while Arthur just raised his eyebrows, trying to hide his amusement. Merlin looked back at him and smiled a toothy grin, glad Arthur was more okay with his magic. He swiftly grabbed the pen and started writing, addressing the letter to Morgana. An unsettling silence fell over the room, the only sound being the scratching of the quill against paper.

"I will simply cast a spell on this letter so that she can only sign if she truly intends to follow through on the deal. If she doesn't intend to keep to her word the ink will turn red." He continued to write, not once looking up from the page. "And if she intends to keep her word the ink will remain black."

"Okay, but how will we get it to her if we don't know where she is?" Another member injected.

Merlin's eyes darted from the page to the faces of the court, "Magic."

Soon Merlin finished writing and read it aloud, "Dear Morgana, I am asking you to agree to a meeting between you and I. This will be a gathering with Arthur, a few of the knights, and I. You are allowed to bring only five of your most trusted followers. The meeting will be held in the forest south of your previous hideout at tomorrow's dusk. Once again I reiterate that you must only bring five of your followers. Sincerely, Emrys." Looking up from the page the warlock was met with a crowd of doubtful faces. Letting out an exasperated sigh Merlin's eyes flashed gold and the paper disappeared with a burst of light. The council was stunned into silence, they all stared at each other uncomfortably until King Arthur spoke up.

"I will be bringing Merlin, Sir Leon, Sir Gwaine, Sir Percival, and Sir Elyan. Have them notified at once. This meeting is adjourned." Nodding a quick goodbye at the group King Arthur swiftly left the room, red cape flowing behind him. Merlin quickly followed behind, after all, he still had plenty of chores to do before night falls.

Arthur pulled Merlin aside later that night, he was on his way back to Arthur's room from mucking out the stalls.

"Merlin, are you sure about this meeting? I'm risking a lot by going through with this." Arthur talked in a hushed tone, shoving Merlin into an empty room.

"What— Arthur, you and the knights will be fine, I will make sure of that." Arthur darted his eyes to the door and sighed.

"You can't control that, and what about you? What will you do?"

Merlin paused, "I will be fine as well, she can't kill me. Trust me, she's tried." He didn't mean for last comment to come out but there was no taking it back. the king stared at him, trying to see the truth through his servant's lies yet there was nothing. Dissatisfied, Arthur turned on his heels and left Merlin alone to sit with his thoughts.

The warlock knew that it was unlikely all of them would make it out of alive, he just had to be sure he was the one who would be the casualty. He couldn't choose between his friends, so he decided to do the noble thing. 

He is planning on sacrificing himself, and that's the honest truth.

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This chapter is a little short, but that's because I had to cut it off to make it two parts. I hope you enjoyed, the next chapter is the final chapter and surprisingly I don't think I'm ready for this story to end.
~Alexander

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