Every time I think of Series Five, I hate it more and more. So much potential was wasted. So many characters made stupid choices and died stupid deaths. Well, here's my attempt at a better Series Five. I'm not just changing episodes, I'm completely redoing that series. I hope you like it, but even if you don't, I had to do it. I had to give a better ending to the characters and the show that I love so much.

The quiet of the forest was suddenly broken by the thunder of hooves. Creatures of the woods scurried out of the narrow path, watching from the safety of undergrowth as countless crimson capes fluttered by, nearly obscuring the one brown coat in their mix.

The knights of Camelot pounded by, grim looks of determination set on their faces. As they neared a quiet river, the leader of the group slowed and turned his horse to face his followers.

"Beyond this stream lies the land of Amata," he said, looking hard at those around him, "Land ruled by Sarrum. All of you know his reputation for ruthlessness and cruelty. He will not take kindly to knights of Camelot on his land. Any man who wishes to turn back now may do so, with no shame."

None of the men turned away. In their eyes, he saw only trust and certainty.

"Very well. We ride on."

As the young man turned his horse and started slowly across the wide but shallow river, he felt a familiar presence settle in beside him.

"I don't know why you even bother asking," the other man said. "You know they'd follow you anywhere, plus it's not exactly been a secret where we're going, so they knew what they were in for when we left Camelot. I'm starting to think maybe you've got a complex where you have to hear yourself speak every so often or—"

"Yes, Merlin," the king replied, "Because obviously I'm the one who talks too much between the two of us."

The servant opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to think of a comeback that wouldn't prove Arthur's point. He decided a moody silence was the best way to go.

"Honestly," said Arthur, ignoring Merlin's pout, "I'm almost certain they would have gone without me. They're just as worried about Gwaine and Percival as we are."

"And they're angry," added Merlin, glancing at the dark faces behind him.

"They are right to be!" Arthur said hotly, "What kind of ruler invites an alliance, and then arrests envoys that have come at his request?"

"One that knows how to gain the upper hand," whispered Merlin, trying to make Arthur quiet down. Glancing back at the knights, none of them seemed to have noticed their king's outburst. Good. They were incensed enough as it was without Arthur fanning the flames. "This is what Sarrum wants, Arthur. He knew you'd come if your men were taken captive. He wants you to attack in a blind rage so that he can kill you quickly, claim it was self-defense, and take Camelot for himself. You need to be calm. Your men need you thinking clearly."

Arthur glanced behind at the knights following him onto Amata's shore. Sighing, he straightened his back schooled his features, and continued at a more cautious pace down the wide trail before them.

"Alright," he said, voice still tight with tension, "But if he's hurt either of my knights, I'm going to make him pay."

Arthur glanced over to gage his friend's reaction. Though the Merlin's face was impassive, his eyes burned with cold fury as he replied.

"You'll have to get in line."

Sarrum's castle stood darkly against the orange and red of the setting sun. The colors were reflected in the eyes of the pale young man, giving him an even more unearthly look as he stared out from the mouth of the cave.

"Sir," said a roughly clothed soldier, approaching him from the nearby wood, "We've just had word. Manon's troops have just crossed the river into Amata. They should be here this time tomorrow."

"Good," the young man replied, not glancing away from the dark fortress.

"There's more, sir," the soldier continued, "At the crossing, there were signs of a large group on horseback, less than half a day ahead of our people. We don't know for sure, but there have been rumors in some of the villages. Talk of knights in red capes. We believe it is King Arthur."

At this, the young man finally looked away from the distant castle. His brow furrowed for a moment, but then he smiled softly, looking up at the stars that had just begun to shine above them.

"Destiny," he said softly, "The Once and Future King rides to meet us unknowingly, and Emrys rides with him."

Finally, he looked back at the soldier in front of him.

"Alert all of our followers that the new era is coming. We will release our Priestess, Camelot's king will fall, and his pet sorcerer will die with him. We attack tomorrow, at nightfall."

"Yes, my Lord Mordred."

There was no reason for Mordred to be good. When last we saw him, he was throwing knights around with his mind and vowing vengeance on Merlin, which is so much cooler than anything he did in Series Five. Mordred deserves to be a way more powerful character.

Hope you enjoyed it! This is still in progress, so it may be a while before I post again.