Watching the Future: Merlin

The Dragon's Call

It was a peaceful day in Camelot. A light breeze ran through the air, tousling about the leaves that had fallen onto the ground and the blades of grass that were tall enough to reach a man's ankles. Just then, a young Merlin walked down a hillside on a path through the countryside of Camelot.

"You can't be serious. We're watching Merlin's memories?" Arthur asked incredulously.

Eleanor gave the king a look. "I told you that I would not reveal the identity of the person who obtains these memories, sire. But to answer your question, yes, these are Merlin's memories."

To change the subject, Leon decided to speak. "Merlin... where were you walking to?"

The secret warlock looked over at the senior knight. "To the castle."

Merlin entered through the lower town, smiling as people were coming and going past him. He saw houses lining the streets, and he couldn't help but look around himself in awe.

"You hadn't been to Camelot before," Gwen realized.

Merlin nodded at the Queen. "I had never left Ealdor before that day. It was a lot to take in with a city that big, let alone a bloody castle."

The younger Merlin had just entered the gates of Camelot, still in awe of everything he saw. He'd just gotten to the citadel when lo and behold he laid eyes upon Uther Pendragon for the first time in his life.

Arthur took in a sharp breath. "Father."

Gwen carefully rubbed his shoulder to help keep her husband calm. Though it had been years since the death of his father, it was still very painful for Arthur to think about.

A man — led by guards — was being taken to the gallows with an executioner leading them. Uther was standing on the balcony of the castle and began to speak to his citizens. In a nearby open window, Lady Morgana was watching with a disdainful look on her face.

Elyan, Gwaine, and Percival all jumped back in shock. They'd only known the Morgana that was hellbent on killing Arthur and taking over Camelot.

"I miss the old Morgana," Gwen stated sadly.

Arthur carefully squeezed his wife's hand. "So do I." He admitted.

Merlin stayed quiet, knowing that he was partially to blame for her transgressions against Camelot.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death."

The younger Merlin looked slightly pale at this announcement.

"Mate, what's got you looking like a ghost?" Gwaine asked.

Lancelot carefully wrapped an arm around Merlin's shoulders for comfort, and the warlock said nothing.

"You'll have to see, Sir Gwaine." Eleanor stated to the usually drunken knight before turning her attention back to the memory.

"I pride myself a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass." Uther finished, and raised his arm. He then lowered his arm as a signal for the executioner. The executioner raised his blade before lowering it, beheading Thomas James Collins.

Gwen turned to Merlin, a sad look held in her brown eyes. "The first thing you witnessed on your first day in Camelot was an execution."

Even Gwaine felt uncomfortable. "Merlin, that's one hell of a welcome you had there," he commented.