Basically a Ranger's Apprentice short story featuring our favorite characters and a lot of emotions. Disclaimer: Most characters and events referred to belong to John A. Flanagan, author of the entire Ranger's Apprentice series. Is set after 'And About Time Too' in the eleventh book The Lost Stories. Headcanon story and could thus have happened.

For so many years Merlin had stood standing guard over an empty lake - a resolute soldier with one last duty left to perform. Wars waged around him, and still he waited. When people asked him, when even Alaric dared question, the answer they got was always the same. "How can I do anything but wait?" "Who are you waiting for, though?" He would smile faintly. "A prat." I refuse to be judged on this. I wrote it when I was about 13, okay? Disclaimer- I own nothing of merlin, all characters belong to bbc I also claim no credit for the cover picture

. "This story is perhaps the best Merlin-fanfic I've ever read." - TheForeverChosenOne: --------------------------------- 'The great doors of Camelot flew open, announcing the arrival of the long awaited guest...' Camelot and the Kingdom of Albion are in danger and, in this hour of darkness, King Arthur is forced to call upon the help of his oldest friend: a man whom he believes has betrayed him and whom he has banished from the Kingdom. For the sake of his people King Arthur is forced to put aside his oldest beliefs and place his trust in a world that he has always been taught to fear. There is only one man who has any hope of saving Camelot but before he can overcome the darkness he must overcome the problems closer to home. The time of darkness has come. Albion's need is at its greatest. King Arthur is all but powerless. Merlin has returned.

What happened after the Ranger's Apprentice series ended? What happened to Maddie after she got her Silver Oakleaf? Did she gain respect, or did sje relapse back into her old pampered self? In this book, I plan to answer those questions the way I think things should happen. Disclaimer: The character's I'll be using are from John Flanagan's series, The Ranger's Apprentice. If I ever create a character, I will tell you.

Truths revealed. Secrets unraveled. Questions answered. Are you ready, for the Final Pieces of Ranger's Apprentice? Ready, to finish the legends of Araluen? [These are stories based on the original series by John Flanagan. All characters and earlier events being talked about are his] If you use any of my ideas please ask me first and give me credit :)