Albion: The Beginning of the End (A Merlin fanfic) - Book 2

A Plan of Liberation

The light from the torch created shadows of two figures on the stone walls. Merlin and Gaius made their way down into the vaults beneath the castle which was where the meeting was to be held.

After Arthur and Merlin reconciled, they decided to bring about the end of Lord Murrin's reign as swiftly as they could. Thus they convened a meeting with their most loyal companions to discuss how to take back their kingdom.

Since the castle was under heavy guard and scrutiny from the evil lord, the king and warlock thought it best to meet beneath the castle, under the cover of darkness so as to not raise suspicion.

To further ensure their safety, they created groups of two between the companions and each group was to arrive at the appointed location at different times.

Arthur and Leon would go first to ensure that the place was secure. Then they would wait for the second group which consisted of Guinevere and Percival who arrived through the south entrance. The last group was Merlin and Gaius who entered through the eastern entrance.

The latter made their way as quickly as they could down towards the meeting place knowing that they did not have much time to discuss the coup.

As they walked Gaius said in a voice slightly above a whisper, "Merlin, as much as I am happy that things are finally happening, I still think you need to tell Arthur and Gwen about their child. They deserve to know."

"I know," the warlock said as he heaved a sigh. Gaius smiled sympathetically at him patting his shoulder.

The entrance opened to a wide room where a round table with chairs were set up. The warlock and physician entered to see Arthur and Leon speaking in low tones, but the king and knight halted in conversation when they saw the last of their small troop arrive.

The gravity of the situation slowly started to descend upon each of them as they all took their places, Merlin sat at Arthur's right and Guinevere at his left. With heavy hearts they turned their attention to their king.

Arthur sighed and stood up, the burdens of the past caused his shoulders to drop. "I'm sure," he began with his head low, "the memories of our fellow brothers-in-arms and friends are resurfacing as we face yet another threat against our kingdom."

There was a moment of silence as they honoured their friends.

Then Arthur raised his head and addressed his wife and his friends. "You all have stood by me, you have trusted me, and followed me, even if the decisions I made were foolish. I am the man I am today because you've supported me in council, in battle, and most importantly, in friendship. I know that I have proven many times that I am not fit to be the king of this great kingdom, but each of you have placed your faith in me, and so I humbly ask you," Arthur paused as a sense of humility came over him.

"Will you allow me to fight alongside you? Will you grant me the honour of standing beside you as we save our kingdom together? Will you grant me the privilege of having your trust once again?"

The five of them looked around at each other.

"You have proven over and over again that you are the greatest king this kingdom has ever known," Leon said as he stood up.

His were eyes full of admiration as he continued to reassure his king. "You have proven to be just and wise. But not only have you proved yourself to be a good king, but a good friend, and for that reason I will be honoured to have you by my side, my king." The king smiled in gratitude at the words of his oldest knight.

"What I said all those years ago," Percival said rising from his seat, "still rings true today. I am proud to call you my king and my friend." Percival bowed towards his king and in return, Arthur gave him a grateful nod.