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

A Spark of Hope

The king entered his chambers as night began to set in. The darkness drew closer, but he felt a spark of hope in his heart as he reflected on the day.

Arthur had spent the most part of his day training his men. They only had two days so he wanted to use as much time as possible.

The king's most trusted knights, led by Leon and Percival, rallied the soldiers as they prepared for the war against the usurper, Alidor Murrin.

However, his heart grew heavy when he gazed at the drawn drapes that surrounded his bed.

Guinevere still lay, seemingly lifeless, behind those drapes.

Every time he looked at her he remembered the blood on her nightgown, her cry of anguish and despair and the sorrow that filled his heart.

Arthur would never forget that night for as long as he lived.

He could not bring himself to sleep in his bed as these memories would steal his sleep and so, he would use the time by working through his plans for the upcoming battle. In the end he knew he would wake up in the morning at his desk, papers and ink wells strewn about due to his fitful sleep.

He quietly walked over and drew back the thick curtains.

The fear and sorrow that arrested his heart were crippling, but it was nothing compared to the absolute terror of losing Guinevere.

On that night, he was not able to process the heroic deed of his friend, Merlin. Now, having the chance, he realised that the fear he had in his heart wasn't just the reality of losing his family but the warlock too.

Merlin was powerful, more powerful than the king really knew.

It made him think of the consequences that Merlin would have to face and with that thought came an immense amount of gratitude for his friend.

Even after everything that Merlin had gone through, Arthur still could not comprehend how loyal Merlin was to him, that the warlock would sacrifice his own future just to ensure that Arthur had one of his own.

You never fathomed me out?

Arthur smiled.

He remembered that comment that Merlin made years ago. A fireside conversation always brought to light their deepest thoughts.

Now as he stood pondering on all that Merlin did for him, Arthur felt guilty for treating him so unkindly when he first found out about the warlock's magic, and even though he apologised, he could not undo the past.

No one should be treated differently for being who they are.

A knock on his door brought Arthur to the present. He spared one last glance at his wife and then turned to answer the door.

"Axel," the king said, surprised to see his youngest knight. "What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to you, sire," asked Axel. Arthur gestured for him to enter.

"What concerns you, Axel?" the king asked as he turned to face the knight.

"First, I offer my condolences regarding the queen, sire. I'm sorry that this evil has befallen her," Axel said. Arthur nodded in acknowledgment at his sentiment.

Then the knight stepped closer to the king.

"I want to help you, sire. I want to fight alongside you," Axel said in earnest.

One of the things Arthur liked about Axel was his frankness. The knight didn't give in to idle talk, if he wanted something he would say so outright.